The iconic Grand Pacific Hotel has signed on as a corporate champion for the 4FJ campaign.

It has made a public pledge not to serve kawakawa and donu during their peak breeding months, June to September.

Kawakawa and donu, commonly called groupers, are rapidly declining in Fiji, threatening the food security and livelihoods for Fiji communities.

The four-month voluntary pledge is intended to ensure the A-grade fish release their eggs each year, and help revive the dwindling populations.

Peter Gee, General Manager of the Grand Pacific Hotel, said: “The Grand Pacific Hotel is absolutely committed to doing all we can to undertake sustainable practices that protect our precious natural resources.

“We also hope our involvement will inspire others to do the same.”

GPH joins the 4FJ campaign as the Ministry of Fisheries launched a private sector outreach programme this month in advance of its planned seasonal ban on the fishing and sale of kakakawa and donu. This is from June to September, starting in 2018.

The ministry is gearing up to promulgate the new regulation within the next few months.

Fisheries officers are visiting all urban areas to meet with fish sellers about the 4FJ campaign and their increasing challenges in sourcing reliable, quality seafood in Fiji.

Kawakawa and donu are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because they gather predictably each year in the same channels to breed.

Those sites are fished heavily, leaving few fish behind to restock Fiji reefs.  Of the known breeding sites in Fiji, 80 per cent are declining or gone, according to a Government report.

“The decision by GPH Management to stop selling the fish is really welcomed by the ministry. This decision, at the top-end of our visitor market, should help pave the way for stronger management of these important food fish species in the country,” said Ministry of Fisheries acting director, Aisake Batibasaga.

To date, Morris Hedstrom and NewWorld IGA supermarkets and fish supplier, FijiFresh Seafood have stopped selling the fish.

In addition, a growing number of hotels and restaurants such as the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, Castaway Island Fiji Resort and Spa, Mana Island Resort, Malolo Island Resort, Leleuvia Island Resort, and all Jack’s of Fiji restaurants have also pledged not to include the fish on their menus.

Source: 4FJ Movement

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