Fiji explores new technology for safer fisheries

Fiji is exploring innovative technology to bolster its coastal resource management and enhance maritime safety. The Ministry of Fisheries has partnered with the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), operating under the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The initiative centers on a pilot program featuring the Triton’s Spear or TS3, a vessel monitoring system developed by Japan's Ocean Solution Technology with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This system is specifically designed for small-scale coastal fleets and operates on solar power, eliminating the need for external wiring.

Unlike standard vessel monitoring systems that provide updates hourly, the TS3 can transmit GPS location updates every 30 seconds. This enhanced tracking capability is expected to significantly improve safety and efficiency for Fiji's fishing fleets.

The broader aim of this partnership is to integrate remote sensing and space-based technology to foster safer and more sustainable fisheries not only within Fiji but across the wider Pacific region. This move signifies Fiji's commitment to leveraging modern solutions for environmental protection and economic development in its maritime sector.