Four sustainable initiatives that include the stoppage of fishing, selling and exporting of Donu and Kawakawa, the stoppage of the export of beach‑de‑mer, the stoppage of the sale of undersized fish and certain restrictions to long line fishing will be implemented at the end of this month.
Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau has announced that the Ministry will be implementing the four sustainable initiatives that are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 which is to Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
The Ministry says there are penalties in place however they did not reveal the level of fines.
Koroilavesau also says the Ministry does not have the capability at this point to monitor that everyone complies with the sustainable initiatives that will be implemented at the end of this month.
The Minister for Fisheries says that after discussions and approval from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama the Ministry of Fisheries made 17 promises at the Oceans Conference that was held in June.
He adds that they have asked government for the provision of vehicles and boats to assist with patrolling and monitoring that these initiatives are implemented and followed.
Koroilavesau says that he has completed awareness on these sustainable initiatives in some parts of Lau and will continue awareness in many other rural, maritime and coastal areas around the country in the next 3 months.
