The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Board is grateful to the relevant authorities for conducting surveillance activities around the country.

The ministry was responding to the joint operation by the Fiji Police Force and traditional iqoliqoli owners of Verata, Bau and Dawasamu to curb illegal fishing. The Fiji Sun also joined the operation last weekend.

Permanent Secretary for the iTaukei Affairs Board, Naipote Katonitabua, in a statement, encouraged the iqoliqoli owners to contact the Ministry of Fisheries and Fiji Police Force if they suspect illegal fishing activities within their iqoliqoli boundaries.

“The Ministry of Fisheries and Fiji Police Force are now co-ordinating the searches for illegal fishing,” he said.

Last weekend two fishers were arrested early on Saturday during the operation because they did not have proper documents.

The 14 provincial councils have also welcomed the protection of the fishing (iqoliqoli) boundaries from illegal fishermen.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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