SWITCH-Asia

The Challenge

In the Fiji Islands, fishermen communities are working to clean the sea and improve the quality of their fish catch. Ocean pollution, including waste, has significantly affected the marine environment and reduced the quality of fish. A study in Fiji found that 68% of fish ingest microplastics, with an average of 5.5 pieces per fish (Ferreira et al., 2020). This highlights the urgent need for action. The fisheries sector is also a key part of Fiji's economy, contributing 1.6% of the national GDP in 2015, or about FJD 65.7 million, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Fiji government is encouraging the formation of Fishers Associations to support development and growth in fishing communities. With help from the LMMA Network International, some communities have already established these associations, with plans to extend this to over 300 more LMMA communities. These groups aim to create direct connections between fishers and fish processing facilities, making it easier to access markets and add value to their work. LMMA provides financial literacy training, business planning workshops, and guidance on finding sustainable economic opportunities. Public-private partnerships with commercial fishing and seafood companies offer further potential for growth. There is also a need to support small and medium-sized businesses in improving local production, adding value to their products, and developing sustainable food solutions for local use and markets.

The Objectives

Enhancing the role of fishermen communities in the Fiji Islands by increasing their professional skills and improving commercial and business opportunities within the fishery sector.

The specific objective is to help the agri-food sector improve product chains by adopting green and sustainable solutions while enhancing product quality.

The Way Forward

• Indigenous fishing communities will experience enhanced income opportunities, gain access to international markets, and receive training in sustainable fishing practices.
• Fishing communities in Kadavu will benefit from solar-powered ice plants, contributing to economic growth and improved fisheries resource management.
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be actively involved in fish processing and value-added production, targeting both local and export markets.
• Domestic and international markets will see a boost in the availability of high-quality, sustainable fish products.
• Researchers and students, particularly from the Fiji National University (FNU), will engage in capacity-building initiatives and innovations in the fisheries sector, supported by the project.
• Private sector companies will benefit from partnerships focusing on sustainable fisheries and value-chain transformation, fostering innovation and sustainability.

Relation to European Green Deal, Circular Economy and Climate Change 

Fiji Blue Fishing aligns with EU priorities and the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable fisheries, create awareness about reducing plastic pollution, and fostering a circular economy in Fiji. It supports the green transition through eco-friendly practices, professional training, and sustainable business growth in the fishery sector. The project aims at tackling climate change by mitigating plastic waste in the ocean, reducing fishing gear pollution, and integrating solar-powered ice plants to enhance energy efficiency. Moreover, by supporting small-scale fishery communities and value-added production, the project promotes resilient, climate-adaptive economic development, contributing to the EU’s global climate action and sustainable development goals (SDGs).