Kadavu islanders will now closely monitor their marine resources following the handover of 23 footer patrol boats to 30 fish wardens.

The 30 wardens are from Nakasaleka District and will be monitoring their gazetted Naiqoro marine protected area.

Handing over the new boat yesterday at Matasawalevu Village, Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau says that the hard work now begins for them as they watch over their marine reserve.

“I am sure with the training that you have received, you will be able to uphold the laws and regulations of looking after your marine reserve and let me remind you that you must never take the law into your own hands.”

Tui Taveu, Apenisa Tabua says the assistance is timely that they have allocated time for villagers to watch the taboo area.

“We are grateful to Government for the assistance and this will in fact boost operations with the marine reserve. We plan to have two to three men doing night shift work and stationed somewhere where we are able to have a bird’s eye view of the marine gazette area. Villagers in the tikina are aware of the gazette marine area and we will certainly work together to ensure that we protect our reserved area for generations to come.”

The 23 patrol boats comes with a 60 horse powered engine.

Meanwhile, the ministry has conducted fish warden training for most coastal communities around Fiji.