Captain Johnathan Smith Fund
The Captain Johnathan Smith Fund will facilitate the cleanup of derelict fishing vessels in Suva Harbour, clearing the way for a stronger economy, safer waters and healthier communities.
The initiative to remove derelict vessels in Suva Harbour is a coordinated effort between the Government of Fiji, Joint Maritime Environment Committee, Fiji Ports Corporation, and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. The Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation, signatory partners to Blue Prosperity Fiji, contributed up to US$1 million to launch the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, funding derelict vessel removal in Suva Harbour and driving accountability reform in the legal system.
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This Fund is about more than removing derelict fishing vessels; it’s about protecting our future and building a sustainable ocean economy.
Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport
WHY ARE DERELICT FISHING VESSELS IN SUVA HARBOUR A PROBLEM?
Suva Harbour has become a graveyard for abandoned and sunken vessels, many of which have been left by foreign-flagged fishing fleets. These rusting, structurally unsound ships leak oil, fuel, and toxic substances into coastal waters, threatening fisheries, damaging habitats, disrupting port operations, and deterring investment in tourism and coastal development.
Legal jurisdiction challenges have made enforcement difficult, leaving the cost and responsibility of cleanup to fall on government, philanthropy, and local communities.
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SUVA HARBOUR
ABOUT THE
FUND
WHY DOES THE FUND MATTER FOR FIJI?
Derelict vessels in Suva Harbour are a direct threat to the environment, economy, and public safety, particularly for coastal communities reliant on healthy marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on a healthy ocean.
Derelict vessel removal and cleaning up Suva Harbour are part of Fiji’s broader commitment to holistic ocean management. Holistic ocean management isn’t any single action, but a combination of policy, community stewardship, clean waters, and economic opportunity working together.
This initiative supports the Government of Fiji and Blue Prosperity Fiji's broader commitment to sustainably managing 100% of Fiji's ocean whilst fully protecting at least 30% of its waters.
PARTNERS INVOLVED
The initiative to remove derelict vessels in Suva Harbour is a coordinated effort led by the Fiji Joint Maritime Environment Committee, with support from the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute.
The Fiji Government, through the Joint Maritime Environment Committee (JMEC), provides interagency oversight and coordination.
The JMEC consists of the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Fiji Revenue and Customs Services, Fiji Navy, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, and Fiji Police Force.
Fiji Ports Corporation is leading all operational aspects of vessel removal, including vessel identification and prioritisation, managing approved contractors, ensuring environmental compliance, cleaning, and scuttling vessels.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji advises on approved scuttling locations and certifies that vessels meet cleaning requirements before removal.
The Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation, signatory partners to Blue Prosperity Fiji, contributed up to US$1 million to launch the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, funding derelict vessel removal in Suva Harbour and driving accountability reform in the legal system. The Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute are only playing a supporting role to the Government and Fiji Ports Corporation through Blue Prosperity Fiji.
ABOUT
CAPTAIN JOHNATHAN SMITH
The Fund honours the legacy of Captain Johnathan Smith, widely celebrated for his lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship and sustainable ocean practices. As a community leader, veteran seafarer and first Captain of the Uto Ni Yalo canoe, Captain Johnathan Smith championed traditional Fijian knowledge while advocating for strengthened measures to protect marine ecosystems.
Over decades, he worked with local fishers, policymakers and regional organisations to promote sustainable fishing, combat illegal practices, and safeguard coral reefs and coastal habitats. He dedicated his life to protecting Fiji’s waters for both cultural heritage and future prosperity, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of ocean advocates.
