New Ice Plants Boost Fisheries Support in Northern Fiji

Three new ice plants have been commissioned at the Labasa Fisheries Station, in a major boost for fishing communities and seafood vendors across Macuata and the Northern Division.

The new facilities will produce up to nine tonnes of ice per day, with each plant capable of producing three tonnes.

The increased capacity is expected to address previous ice shortages, helping fishers preserve the freshness of their catch, reduce post-harvest losses and protect their incomes.

Local fishers will be able to access the ice at an affordable rate of 13 cents per kilogram.

The project is valued at FJ$1.1 million and was funded by the Government of Japan through the Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation and Japan International Cooperation System.

It forms part of a broader FJ$10 million marine development grant supporting Fiji’s fisheries sector.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Hiroshi Tajima attended the commissioning ceremony.

The investment is expected to benefit more than 500 licensed fishermen, along with small and medium-sized fish vendors, many of whom are women.

Officials say the new ice plants will strengthen the fisheries cold chain, improve food security and support sustainable livelihoods in northern Fiji.