Fisheries wardens have been reminded of the important roles that they play during a two days refresher course that was held on the island of Yanuca in the Serua Province.

Speaking to the 21 participants from five villages of the Tikina of Serua, Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries, Naipote Katonitabua said that not only should they increase their understanding of fisheries issues but also assist with policing of their communities especially with the recurrence of hard drugs being found in our rural and maritime waters and communities.

“You will be the eyes and ears of the ministry and we hope that you will carry out your roles within the Fisheries Act as well as powers that you have. Please do not exercise the powers that you have in an irresponsible manner but always liaise with the Fiji Police as well as ministry officials when faced with difficult situations out at sea,” Mr Katonitabua said.

Mr Katonitabua also added that there will future joint operations between the ministry and the Fiji Police in the Serua fishing grounds.

“We will strengthen our patrols out at sea through our Inshore Fisheries Management Division and will of course liaise closely with our counterparts at the Fiji Police,” he said.

Jolame Bilavou of Yanuca Island said that the training enabled him to understand as well the laws and regulations that are in place.

“The two days training gave me in-depth knowledge of the Fisheries Act and how we should go about in protecting our ‘i-qoliqoli’. We have important roles to play and we need to strengthen our roles as our future generations depend on us to protect our marine resources,” explained Mr Bilavou.

“There are so many youths in the village that have been negligent of the roles that they need to play especially in keeping poachers away. I am sure that after this refresher course, many will come on board and assist us in looking after our ‘i-qoliqoli’.

Mr Bilavou also added that he is really grateful to the Ministry of Fisheries for bringing fisheries wardens together from the province of tikina of Serua to participate in this two days refresher course.

“It all starts with us and we really have think of our future generations so that we are also able to save some marine resources for them.

A mock exercise was carried out at sea and wardens were taught on the basics of approaching poachers as well as keeping good communication with the fishermen.

The Ministry of Fisheries have been conducting refresher courses for wardens over the years and is also available to conduct the same training to coastal communities who wish to look after their traditional fishing grounds.