The Ministry of Fisheries is working in partnership with a number of stakeholders to improve coastal fisheries.

Last week, the coastal fisheries team facilitated a collaborative workshop with Votua villagers in Ba, focusing on iQoliqoli management.

With a goal to strengthen relations between the Fisheries Ministry and district fisheries committee to co-implement the Fisheries Management Plan to enable fish stock recovery and improve overall fisheries management, while also aiming to build the capacity of the District Development Committees and the Fisheries Management Committee for self-management.

The workshop included presentations of current issues and threats to the Qoliqoli fishing area – with proposed resolutions from stakeholders who are working with the Votua community- capacity building for the Votua Qoliqoli Committee, and review of Votua’s Qoliqoli Management Plans for 2020-2023.

After presentations and questions, breakout group discussions were facilitated by Ba Provincial Office.

The group discussions involved leaders, women, youth and fishers, facilitating healthy discussions within each group in regards to what they want, and think is necessary in the coming Qoliqoli management plans for 2020-2023.

The workshop was in collaboration with Ba Provincial Office, Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji (western division), Amex, Mineral Resources Department, Ridge to Reef Fiji (environment) and Votua Village.