In an effort to stop overfishing and help the rightful fishermen to enjoy benefits from their catch, the issuing of commercial fishing licence has been reduced.

This was confirmed by the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while formally endorsing the new permit conditions and the one-year ban of the camouflage grouper or kasala within the iqoliqoli cokovata (Sasa, Nabekavu, Mali, Macuata, Dreketi) fishing grounds in Labasa, yesterday.

He said during numerous consultation meetings with the iqoliqoli owners, many issues related to over fishing and fishermen being paid less by middle men were highlighted.

“This year we are issuing 37 commercial licence for fisheries boat and 60 for fiber boats,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“We are working together with the Ministry of Fisheries and provincial office.

“By this, I want to encourage the community to use their own fishing boats to catch fish and sell directly to get the right return value.

“Fishermen’s spend long hours in the night out at sea and the middle men buy $10 a bundle of fish from them only.

“The killing part is the middle men.

“If fishermen directly sell their catch, they can get enough money to pay off their debt, land rent, children’s education and pay bills and more many,.

“As part of the Green Growth Framework, I want people to use natural resources wisely and prepare for climate change.

“We at community level need to work together for the good of our nation.”

Ratu Wiliame said he had been approached by a company which was operating in Lautoka to extract live fish and live coral.

“The company for two years has been approaching me and he offered some monitoring terms and I have spoken to them if there is any contract,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“The company exports to overseas.

“This is one of the reasons that causing damages to our reef.”

edited by: IVAMERE NATARO

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj