SUVA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has completed the first phase of a new electronic monitoring system designed to strengthen the regulation of offshore fishing activities and protect the nation's marine resources.

Fully funded by the government's 2025-2026 budget, the first phase of the Fiji Fisheries Electronic Monitoring System installed high-tech cameras on selected fishing vessels to collect vital scientific data, the Ministry of Fisheries said in a statement on Friday.

This milestone marks a massive step forward in using advanced technology for sustainable ocean management, the statement said.

The ministry has also established the technical infrastructure to support the project, including a compatible server network, back-end services and specialized equipment to analyze video footage.

A team of data analysts has been trained and is currently verifying and reviewing information collected through the system.

The ministry said this initiative will ensure the precise and transparent monitoring of Fiji's marine resources. ■