23 Sep 2017

Cameras to curb overfishing in Fiji

10:27 am on 23 September 2017

Fiji authorities say they are installing electronic monitors into 50 fishing boats in an attempt to control illegal fishing.

Frozen albacore tuna offloaded in Lami, Fiji

Frozen albacore tuna offloaded in Lami, Fiji Photo: RNZ / Philippa Tolley

The monitoring is part an agreement signed between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Fiji Fishing Industry Association to support sustainable fisheries management.

The on-board cameras, computers and software are being used to increase surveillance on Fiji's longline fleet.

The FBC reports 28 vessels have had the electronic systems installed with another 22 due to be fitted with the new equipment as part of a project that runs until 2019.