A comprehensive seasonal ban on all species of Grouper (Kawakawa) and Coral Trout (Donu) is now in place to protect these vital fish species during their peak breeding season while the current Beche-de-mer harvesting period has been extended 31st January, 2027.
The Ministry of Fisheries says the ban on Grouper (Kawakawa) and Coral Trout (Donu) will take effect from Monday until 30th September, 2026.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Saimone Tauvoli says the prohibition is extensive as during the four-month window the fishing and collection, selling, offering, or exposing for sale, landing and transportation (including transit between local markets, such as from Vanua Levu to Viti Levu, receiving, possessing, and dealing in the fish, exporting any species of Grouper or Coral Trout are prohibited.
Existing stocks may only be sold locally until 11pm tomorrow.
The Ministry says any remaining unsold fish caught prior to the ban must be frozen, bagged, and clearly labelled with the fisherman or vendor’s name and the date received.
They say these frozen stocks must be stored and cannot be sold for the duration of the ban.
The Ministry stresses that vendors and fishermen retaining frozen fish must report their exact quantities in writing to their relevant Divisional Fisheries Office by Monday and make the stock available for inspection.
They warn that any individual or business found contravening this regulation commits a legal offence.
They Ministry is urging members of the public, commercial fishers, and seafood exporters to adhere strictly to these dates to support the sustainability of Fiji’s marine ecosystems.
