Conservation efforts have been stepped up in the Ministry of Fisheries with revitalisation of a number of initiatives.

This week the Ministry announced the ban on beach-de-mer exports, the reinforcement of the Moratorium on Turtles and from next year it will be illegal to harvest, sell and consume Donu and Kawakawa during their breeding season from June to September.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries Commander Sanaila Naqali says this is another step to improving Fiji’s inshore and coastal fisheries environment.

“We have a paper in the cabinet now of two fish aggregating, spawning aggregating devices or spawning aggregation sites that we try to turn into Marine Protected Area that’s in Naiqoro Passage, and one in the coastal area of Kuiva and some of the areas our Scientists are looking into to have them protected.”

Naqali says Fiji’s once resource-rich waters have been left depleted and now the government is working to ensure our marine species are better managed for future generations.

The legislation is also being reviewed to update laws in contravention that could see fines and penalties increased.