The Fisheries Ministry is looking at declaring more marine protected areas around the country.

The ministry’s Principal Fisheries Officer, Richard Veeran says some of Fiji’s wide range coastal fishery resources has become over-exploited over the years.

Veeran says over exploitation is an issue in the country and it needs to be addressed.

“There is an issue of coastal fisheries, over exploitation across the Pacific, Fiji recognizes this and has taken steps to actually address that which looks at developing much more stronger management policies and also reviews legislation as we go along.”

The ministry also adds that Pacific Island leaders have also placed a priority on the sustainable development and management of coastal fisheries to help support the country’s food security.