The below reports detail the operations of the DEVFISH project including the work of the Steering Committee, feedback on priority issues to inform the DEVFISH project, reports and reviews of the DEVFISH project and a concept note for a second phase of the project.
DEVFISH
FFA High Level Delegation in Fiji this week
SUVA, THURSDAY 17 JULY 2008: A high level delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) met with Fijian leaders this week to discuss Fijian fisheries.
The FFA Director General Su'a N.F. Tanielu, accompanied by a compliance adviser, development adviser and legal officer from the Agency, met Fijian Government Ministers and Officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Primary Industries in Suva yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss Fiji's national priorities for fisheries and how FFA can assist with expertise, services and other support. Meetings with tuna industry representatives will take place today.
Economic benefits and development reports
How do small island developing states maximise the economic benefits from their fisheries? The below reports provide more information and analysis on economic benefits of fishing and lessons learnt from economic development initiatives in the Pacific.
Fishing vessel safety
SPC and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), through the EU-funded DEVFISH project, are reviewing international tools for improved fishing vessel safety and provides assistance to members on these matters.
This work relates to 2 international conventions:
1) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel sets out the regulatory framework for the training and certification of fishing vessel personnel. The convention is the first attempt to make safety standards for crews of fishing vessels mandatory internationally.
2) The Torremolinos Protocol established a safety regime for fishing vessels of more than 24 m including safety provisions of the protocol cover construction, stability, machinery, fire protection, protection of crew, lifesaving equipment, emergency procedures, radio communication, navigation equipment, vessel certification and port state control.
Gender issues in Pacific Islands fisheries
This report examines national, regional and international articles, documents, field reports and books written on women in development, gender in development, women in fisheries, and the assessment, management and development of Pacific Islands tuna fisheries.
Studies show that men and women are both involved in all aspects of the tuna industry with most women found in the processing (small scale and commercial) and marketing for the domestic market. Most men are found in the capture and commercial marketing areas.
More information about the positive and negative impacts of fisheries on women and suggested actions to improve gender equity are found in the two parts of the report, downloadable below.
Value-Adding to Fish - Business Manual
This business report provides practical guidelines to assist existing entrepreneurs in the Pacific Island fishing business community with the setting up of sustainable and profitable seafood value-added businesses making value-added products from target species and the by-products of tuna fisheries. Download chapters below.
Tuna for Tomorrow - science behind an important fishery in the Pacific Islands
This report by SPC and the Asian Development Bank outlines the importance of tuna and some of the science behind assessing tuna stocks and managing fisheries in the Pacific. It is a useful introduction to understanding fisheries science for tuna in the Pacific.
Download in two parts below.
Introduction to DEVFISH
The Development of Tuna Fisheries in the Pacific ACP Countries Project (DEVFISH) is a European Union funded regional project, with the objective of increasing the economic benefits to Pacific Island countries from tuna fisheries. It aims to do this by creating the right policy and economic environment for the further development of fishing and processing operations, with emphasis on the private sector.
FFA’s Strategic Plan has two work programmes – Management and Development. DEVFISH is the lead donor-funded project in the Development area.
Timing and staff
The Project is now in the final year of its four year duration. It has three permanent staff: Mike Batty is the Team Leader and Fisheries Development Policy Specialist, and is based at FFA in Honiara;
Jonathan Manieva is the Fisheries Development Officer, based in Noumea with SPC; and
