It is believed that 70 per cent of fish are harvested from the Northern Division each year, making a significant contribution to our economy.

These were the words of Director of Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji, Sangeeta Mangubhai, during an interview at the Northern Division Fish Wardens workshop in Labasa on Tuesday.

“We believe that 70 per cent of the fish that is been provided is coming from Vanua Levu,” Mr Manguhai said.

Surprised with the findings, the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said people of Vanua Levu should now practice protecting their resources for the future generation.

“So to protect and conserve resources for the future and get better economic returns this workshop has set the platform for the North to move forward,” Ratu Wiliame said.

He said these would also have a great impact on the suppliers – the qoliqoli owners.

“For a small island like Vanua levu to be feeding the whole country this is quite a scary scenario and this is needs to be addressed so that we can have fish for generations to come.”

Mr Mangubhai said the organisation has liaised with the department of fisheries for such workshops to be carried out.

“One of the reasons is that fish wardens are isolated, they are seating out in the community trying to do their jobs as fish wardens and they do not get a chance to come together and share ideas.”

Mr Mangubhai said the organisation wants to bridge the communication between fish wardens and enforcement agencies.

The workshop led by fisheries and forest and supported Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji will conclude on Thursday.

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