The ocean and the sea around us have always been looked upon to provide a variety of goods and services, which are inherently linked to economic growth and social development.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau while launching the first ever gazetted marine reserve, the Kiuva “Koula-Mai-Wai” Marine Reserve in Kiuva Village in Tailevu.
Koroilavesau says the abundant fishing resources of the reef systems across Kiuva are been challenged due to increasing levels of poaching incidences.
He acknowledged the Elders and Chief as well as the entire village to have set aside a portion of their local fishing ground as the marine protected area.
Koroilavesau says the villagers of Kiuva have set in place a model for leadership in marine resource management and conservation at the community level, and the rest of Fiji will look up, and follow.
The designated inshore waters for the Koula‑Mai‑Wai Marine Reserve lie on the east of Kiuva Village with an allocated buffer zone area of approximately 7.285 square millimeters.
