Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau officiated at the JICA USP/SMS Symposium on Future international cooperation and Human resource development in Marine Science and Fisheries in Suva.
The symposium, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the USP establishment as well as the 20th anniversary of the USP School of Marine Studies building establishment in 2018, is hosted in close cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to further enhance a partnership and network in higher education and research.
Koroilavesau said the Government of Japan has set the platform for students to be educated through the USP’s Marine Studies Program and give back to their countries.
“Giving back to our individual countries is important as threats to fisheries not only affect us at national level but at a regional and global level as well. Pacific Island region and its communities are vulnerable. We are particularly threatened by Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
IUU fishing robs the Pacific of its development opportunities; it reduces revenue from fisheries, undermines investment and employment opportunities and threatens the sustainability of fish stocks.”
Koroilavesau highlighted that it was an opportune time to endorse and support the Pacific Island Leaders resolutions and agreement on the need to enhance fisheries related assistance provided by the Government of Japan.