SUVA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Fijian government is stepping up efforts to deal with derelict vessels that pose serious environmental and navigational hazards in the country's waters.
According to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday, long-term measures being considered include the introduction of mandatory shipwreck insurance.
This would ensure that vessel owners bear the financial responsibility for removing wrecks, instead of leaving the burden on the state and taxpayers.
Minister for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the initiative is part of a broader campaign to clean up Fiji's maritime spaces and enforce accountability among ship operators.
He stressed that tougher penalties and stronger enforcement powers for authorities such as the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji are urgently needed.
The minister acknowledged that derelict vessels not only block harbors and shipping lanes but also pose long-term threats to coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems.
Cleanup strategies will vary depending on the condition of each vessel, ranging from salvage and steel recovery to controlled scuttling, but all actions must consider environmental safeguards. ■
