FFA congratulates female graduates of the FNU Basic Sea Safety and Deckhand Fishing Programme

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) extends its congratulations to the female graduates of the Basic Sea Safety and Deckhand Fishing Programme at the Fiji National University (FNU).

Twenty-two female students graduated last week from the basic sea safety and deckhand fishing course, sponsored by the New Zealand Government through the FFA’s Increasing Employment and Economic Benefits from Tuna Fisheries (IEEBTF) Programme.

FFA commends the graduates for completing the three-week course that included basic sea safety and deckhand fishing. The programme focuses on providing opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated field, highlighting progress in addressing gender imbalance. The next step for the graduates is to get the required sea time with the local fishing companies in Fiji. 

“FFA and its partners are dedicated to empowering women through these kinds of initiatives, ensuring they have access to career opportunities in the fishing industry,” said FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen. 

Dr Tupou-Roosen, a champion and source of inspiration for women in fisheries as the first female to head the FFA Secretariat, stated that the success of the Deckhand Fishing Programme in Fiji sets a precedent for other FFA Members to follow.

“Well done to these amazing women as pioneers of this programme that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Fiji’s fisheries and our broader Pacific community.”

The Secretariat looks forward to expanding this programme regionally, addressing the skills gap for females in the harvesting sector across the Pacific. 

The Secretariat acknowledges MFAT New Zealand for its funding through the IEEBTF programme and Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies of the Fiji National University for the successful delivery of the course program.

HONIARA, 01 August 2024

Media Contact: Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int