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Fisheries Ministry urges Fijians to join in on clampdown

June 22, 2018 5:00 am

The Ministry of Fisheries is urging all Fijians to ensure they’re not buying, selling or consuming the reef fish – Kawakawa and Donu during their peak spawning period over the next four months.

Fisheries Director – Aisake Batibasaga says with legislation now in place to penalise anyone found buying, harvesting, or exporting Kawakawa and Donu, the Ministry is also urging Fijians to help enforce the ban.

“If they see people or vendors or fishermen still harvesting and selling Kawakawa and Donu, they should immediately report it to the Ministry of Fisheries officials or even to the Police.”

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Batibasaga also notes that in addition to the Ministry of Fisheries, there has been cross government partnership across several agencies to ensure the ban is effectively enforced over the coming months.

Fines for individuals found in breach of the fish species ban range from a minimum spot fine of 10 thousand dollars to a maximum of 50 thousand dollars.

For corporations, the fines start from 50 thousand dollars to a maximum penalty of 100 thousand dollars.