The very first awareness raising seminar on Ships Ballast Water Management was held in Suva Fiji last month. It will help take Fiji forward in addressing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through shipping ballast water and hull bio-fouling.
The objectives of the seminar were to raise awareness on ballast water, highlight the need to develop policies and legal framework, the need to develop an action strategy for the region and emphasising the important role Fiji has in terms of being the maritime hub for the region.
Proactive steps taken by Fiji when it comes to 
ballast water management will have a positive impact for the rest of the region.
Both short and long-term actions were identified to be carried out after the seminar. These included the development of a Fiji National Policy based on existing legislation, engaging other sectors such as Environment, Biosecurity, Immigration, Customs, Navy and Maritime Safety Authority. Developing legislation and policies as well as work towards ratifying the Ballast Water Management Convention, were all part of the actions identified.
The seminar was attended by participants from government ministries (Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji formally known as Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited) and the private sector (Pacific Agency, Williams & Gosling, Environment Consultants Fiji Ltd). It was held during the week of 19 May.
Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) Soundbites for May 2011