Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has issued a word of caution to Agro Marketing Authority to be cautious not to buy _kawakawa- and donu when buying fish from the outer islands.

Speaking ahead of a tour of the AMA facility in Nausori this morning, Bainimarama said it is the spawning season for kawakawa and donu and they should ensure that it is not fished or being sold.

He has urged the Authority to work with NGOs so that they are aware of such initiatives that are in place.

Bainimarama also cautioned AMA to ensure there is no fishing or purchasing of undersized fish by fishermen in the outer islands.

Last month, the Prime Minister took a pledge not to eat kawakawa and donu during it’s spawning season from June to September.

Meanwhile, AMA executive chairman Filipe Alivereti has requested government to help the authority with transport to the maritime Islands to buy agro-based products.

Alivereti says the irregular shipping services to upper Vanua Levu and Lau Group is a problem for them.

Bainimarama told the AMA Executive Chairman to work with the Fisheries Department in this regard as they have boats which can be used to reach these places.

AMA buys agro based products like yams and other root crops, voivoi and honey from rural and maritime islands and exports mostly dalo, cassava and virgin coconut oil.”