The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji says it fully supports the government’s proposal to accede to the Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal unreported and unregulated fishing.

This was highlighted while MSAF made its submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Agreement.

CEO John Tunidau says that Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji  recommends that Fiji agree to the treaty without reservation.

Tunidau says with this Agreement Fiji can effectively manage the problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing especially with the current post states control measures limited only to safety of ships and protection of the marine environment.

He says the Agreement will increase the protection of fisheries resources within Fiji waters and in international waters shared between Pacific Island states.

He says it will also increase food security for Fiji and the Pacific region.

Tunidau says a negative impact of the Agreement would be lesser use of Fiji Ports by foreign fishing ships in terms of fish offloads and exports.