An overview of Fiji's fisheries development

Development and societal changes in the twentieth century have transformed the nature of fishing in Fiji. This paper attempts to consolidate a large amount of decentralized work on the development of Fijian fisheries to address the long-term sustainability and economic viability of Fiji's marine resources. Taking a broad perspective, this paper provides an overview that connects the historic context of Fiji's fisheries development with economic policy to address overfishing. The analysis highlights the need for an overarching management approach that encompasses the integration of Fiji's offshore and inshore fisheries to ensure the achievement of long-term economic benefits.

► Fiji's inshore fishery and offshore industrial tuna fishery have been developed extensively.
► This paper consolidates a large amount of decentralized work on the development of Fijian fisheries.
► Fiji faces related environmental management challenges, the most pressing of which is overfishing.
► This paper connects the historic context of Fiji's fisheries development with economic policy.
► The analysis highlights the need for an overarching management approach that integrates Fiji's offshore and inshore fisheries.