Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing can lead to the collapse of the fishing industry.

Solicitor General’s Office Principal Legal Officer Timaima Vakadewabuka made this statement while presenting a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

Vakadewabuka says illegal fishing is a growing concern world-wide and with Fiji looking to accede the Port State Measures Agreement, there is hope measures will be put in place to counter the issue.

“So basically with regards to IUU fishing it’s very important for Fiji to accede to this agreement because we are a hub regionally, so we must have our standards in terms of regulating and inspecting vessels, we must raise that standard and have that standard implemented in our ports.”

Vakadewabuka says national measures to detect IUU fishing should be strengthened as this is the only way to stop foreign vessels from illegally fishing in Fiji and Pacific waters.