Seasonal ban on Kawakawa and Donu to come into effect next month

The seasonal ban on Grouper and Coral Trout also known as Kawakawa and Donu will come into effect on the 1st of June till the 30th of September 2020.

The seasonal ban which was gazetted by Government in June last year aims to protect the two species during their peak breeding months.

Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau says the ban has been effective in taking the first step towards better management of these important resources.

He says one of the government's commitments at the 2017 United Nations Ocean Conference is to seek to sustainably manage our grouper and coral trout resources by monitoring these fisheries, protecting spawning aggregation sites, as well as applying seasonal and spatial management measures.

He adds it is these two species, the Grouper and Coral Trout, that the Ministry is seeking to protect as their numbers have been declining over the years.

Koroilavesau says they are pleased with the support from communities over the years on the seasonal ban of these two species and hopes that it will be further strengthened through collaborative efforts into the future.

The Minister adds they are aware that some are slow in adhering to new management measures such as the ban and he is urging people that the sustainable management of our grouper and coral trout resources is not a quick fix.

Koroilavesau says they will continue to strongly advocate on the seasonal ban through consultations and right through to enforcement.