SUVA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's fisheries industry is undergoing a major digital overhaul, moving away from slow, paper-based processes toward faster, more transparent systems.
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu said a key milestone in this transformation is the rollout of the Catch Accountancy System -- a web-based platform that tracks fish from the point of catch all the way to export.
Tasks that previously took days can now be completed in hours, boosting efficiency and ensuring full financial accountability, she noted.
At sea, the ministry has strengthened electronic monitoring systems, including onboard cameras and sensors that provide real-time oversight of fishing operations.
These efforts are backed by the National Fisheries Surveillance and Operations Centre, reinforcing Fiji's crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, according to Bainivalu.
The minister also highlighted new value-adding initiatives that turn fish waste into high-value products such as medical-grade collagen, organic fertilizers, and animal feed, which will create new income streams while reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable and circular economy. ■