Group photo of participants at the 2019 National Fisheries Enforcement Forum at Holiday Inn, Suva. [Source: Fijian Government]

The Fisheries Ministry has completed the recruitment of additional inshore compliance officers.

This is to assist in strengthening some of its legislations.

In the second Fisheries Enforcement Forum in Suva today, Minister responsible Semi Koroilavesau says they have to play catch up in initiating actions and managing the fishery resources.

“Fisheries knows if there a lack of fish in the market. There’s a delay in the running of the ferries from Nabouwalu to Natovi. That means we are getting all our fish from Vanualevu. If the ferries delayed – the Bailey bridge at Laucala Bay won’t be selling fish that morning. I ask you that you must consider the sustainability of fisheries for the betterment of future generations.”

He says various change in climatic conditions have also contributed to the current depleted fish stock.

“As important stakeholders in Fisheries, we need to do something about it because the time is now. Either we do it for benefit for the people that will come after us or we will be blamed for the generation that ate it all.”

The Minister has highlighted that Fiji shouldn’t be comfortable with the fishery status as it’s in critical condition.

Stakeholders have been reminded that fish resources are in distress and they should include sustainability in their two-day forum.