Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau [Image Source: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji]

The Fisheries Ministry has undertaken a stock assessment for 283 traditional fishing grounds in the last 17 years.

Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau says the assessment was an expensive exercise but allows the ministry to inform iqoliqoli owners on the different marine species that exist in their various fishing grounds.

Koroilavesau says this will also allow them to investigate how best they can be managed.

“This preferred platform of information sharing allows custodian and customary owners to compliment their traditional knowledge with scientific information that the ministry provides.”

Koroilavesau says the ministry is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our marine species are protected and allowed to flourish.