Trading of Bump-head parrot fish is prohibited

Following concerns raised by members of the public regarding some Bump-head parrot fish being caught by some fishermen, the Ministry of Fisheries has stated that trading of the fish is prohibited.

An academic at the University of the South Pacific has called out that many local fishermen may not be aware of the Bump-head parrot fish being an endangered species.

The Ministry of Fisheries is now reaching out to its extension officers to create more awareness among all communities because the fish is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN red list of Species and Schedule 1 of the Endangered and Protected Species Act. They say whoever is found trading any species like the Bump-head parrot fish (Varivoce/Kalia) without a permit is committing an offence and is liable to a fine of $20,000 to $100,000 or imprisonment for 5 years.

They add that harvesting a Bump-head parrot fish will threaten its survival and its numbers as it is heading towards extinction.

Each Bump-head parrot fish consumes up to 5.69 tons of reef material annually, ranging from live corals to coral pavement, rubble, and other chunks and can expel 1,000 pounds of sand each year from their poop. The Ministry of Fisheries is reaching out to the Department of Environment for the enforcement of the EPSA for further necessary action. They are also advising all members of the public that no one must trade in specimens mentioned under the Endangered and Protected Species Act unless registered with the management authority.