Page 31 - IB April 2023

Fisheries Fisheries

ocean warming continues at its current rate, there will be a require a blended financing of around FJ$90 million, and they
reduction in tuna biomass in our region. are working towards having FJ$21 million by 2030.
It will include community-driven MPA management, as
Human rights well as setting up a sustainable fisherman’s market, the
Panellists also discussed the issue of working conditions replacement of fishing vessels and a durable fishing port in
in the industry. Seafarers are frequently subjected to unfair which the local people can be supported.
treatment and have their rights violated, noted Aliti Vunisea, In respect to marine tourism, “that’s a new thing that we’d
a consultant with a wealth of knowledge on the coastal fishery like to bring on board, because of the number of yachts that
sector. travel through Lau, and the fact that any given time in the
Vunisea noted: “Sometimes when we are talking about peak season, that could be as many as 100 yachts. We believe
gender issues or human rights abuses, we are not giving it any very strongly that our work will be something that’s very
context, for instance, by looking at contracts or the working important in order to continue to protect the marine systems
conditions on the boats.” on those islands,” Waqainabete-Tuisese said.
She related the experiences of the people of Kalekana in Responding to concerns over Fiji’s national debt,
Lami. When crew members fail to show up to work, Vunisea Waqainabete-Tuisese said CI had moved away from the idea
says, fishing companies recruit labour from the community, of having a bond. “Now we’re saying perhaps the government
often without proper signed contracts or training for the work can directly finance these things without having a blue bond
they are recruited to do. She also noted instances of sexual so that we can avoid having additional debt burden to the
harassment of women in the industry, and changes in tradi- government,” she said.
tional gender roles. “We are hoping that Fiji Development Bank and the Fiji
She believes the issue is not gender equality, “as it will not government will be interested in these sorts of blended
work in the fishing industry”, but rather gender equity—the financing interventions such that they will be able to solidify
fight for fair and equal treatment. our business models that we’re developing and also put their
hands up to actually fund this.”
“No take” MPAs
The FFIA is concerned that social problems and unemploy- reporter@islandsbusiness.com
ment will increase if the government decides to go ahead with
plans to implement a “no take” condition for 30% of Fiji’s EEZ
through 15 marine protected areas (MPAs).
Izaar Ali, Oceans Lead of the Prime Minister’s Office, told TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE IN
attendees that smaller countries had demarcated even more MICRONESIA
of their EEZs as no take zones. CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL, a Swiss company,
“It is certainly not an easy task. It is to be a consultative, of Gubelstrasse 34 CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland, does
inclusive and transparent process. We cannot neglect stake- hereby provide notice that it claims proprietorship of the
holders such as the Fiji Fishing Industry, and just go ahead and trade mark
designate these areas as marine protected areas. Of course
not!” Ali said. OGX
“People fail to see that in climate change, there needs to in relation to:
be a balancing act with our economy. We cannot say, ‘Okay,
no more fishing in this space’, and then see thousands of Hair care preparations; hair care products, namely,
families go without food, because they’re dependent on the shampoos, conditioners, gels, mousses, sprays,
income generator for fisheries. The government certainly does lotions, serums, dressings, emollients, nourishers,
not want to do that.” oils, relaxers and non-medicated repair treatments,
Ali said the government is working through a consultative skin and facial lotions and moisturizers, skin and
process on a marine spatial plan with the Waitt Institute. “30% facial cleansers, body scrubs, body oils, body wash
and body soap, sunscreen preparations.
is the bare minimum amount that needs to be preserved.
Should the other 70% of our ocean be completely used up, CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL cautions that any use
that 30% has the potential to revitalise the 70% that we may of the trade mark or any confusingly similar trade mark in
lose out on,” he said. relation to any of these goods or similar goods, would be
In 2017, the Lau Seascape became part of Fiji’s commit- seen as infringement of their rights and that they will take
ment for marine protected areas. Championed by Conserva- such action deemed necessary to protect those rights.
tion International (CI) and its partners, including the island CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL can be contacted care
communities of the Lau province, it covers about 26% of Fiji’s of their address for service:
EEZ. AJ Park, Level 22, Aon Centre, 1 Willis Street,
Conservation International Senior Director, Pacific Region, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, mail@ajpark.com
Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese revealed that the project will

Islands Business, April 2023 31