Fiji, in the South Pacific Ocean, is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tuna fisheries by addressing marine pollution, according to the country's deputy secretary of fisheries, Netani Tavaga.

As a member of several regional fishery management organizations, Fiji is obliged to adhere to strict conservation rules, including reporting minor oil spills and fishing line cuts.

Tavaga highlighted challenges in waste disposal at sea, as fishermen struggle to store and manage waste on vessels. Efforts are underway to collect garbage and bring it back to ports in Suva, though maintaining vessel hygiene for fish storage remains a concern.

To tackle these issues, Fiji is exploring solutions used by Korean fishermen, including biodegradable fishing mainlines that deteriorate within seven years. Tavaga said this advancement could help reduce marine pollution from discarded fishing gear.

Fiji also faces billions of dollars in economic losses from overfishing in the high seas. In response, the country's ministry of fisheries is tracking tuna migration patterns to enforce sustainable fishing practices and mitigate the impact of overfishing, he said.