Kawakawa and Donu are two fish species that are vulnerable to being caught especially during their breeding season which is from June to September.

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau says this will be one of the biggest challenge as these species go through the process of laying eggs and will hunt for food.

Koroilavesau says they have identified some spawning areas but will work on locating more.

“I think Naiqoro passage in Kadavu and one in Kiuva in Tailevu, these are the two recent spawning areas that the fishes have been able to identify to be able two of the main spawning areas. But most of the spawning areas is around the island, isolated rural which is away from the commercial centres and we will be trying to identify more areas where spawning sites can be located.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry has banned all harvesting, local sales, and export of Kawakawa and Donu to allow for spawning for the next four months.

Penalties for infringements or breaching of this Kawakawa and Donu annual seasonal ban are being put in place and will be enforced by the ministry soon.