Nine Fijians are part of a 10 day training and assessment that will certify them in coastal fisheries and aquaculture compliance.

Senior Fisheries Officer Aporosa Rabo says the certificate four training will enable them to carry out thorough compliance assessments.

Rabo says this will lead to more competent assessments, making fisheries more sustainable, manageable and resilient.

“The training is to qualify our fisheries compliance officers both on coastal fisheries and aquaculture compliance assessments. Making sure that all the fisheries activities are been complying with the fisheries legislation.”

The regional training has 17 other participants from eight Pacific Island countries.

Funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden with an investment of more than $109m FJD (EUR 45 million).

The Pacific – EU Marine Partnership Program (PEUMP) programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.

It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.