Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will continue to highlight the importance of conservation of the qoliqoli areas in the Macuata province.

Ratu Wiliame said they would continue to work on proven ways and means of securing the use of qoliqoli by way of consent.

“This is because we have noted over the past years that our protected areas in the Macuata province have been abused,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“Few months ago Police officers arrested some men from Kia Island who were fishing on a Sunday and found out there were Underwater Breathing Apparatus (UBA) and beche-de-mer in the boat.

“These (UBA and beche-de-mer) were something that the Ministry of Fisheries had issued a ban on and yet some people fail to adhere.

“We have gone though trying to get all aspects of recognition from the Government, Department of Environment and Department of Fisheries to keep up with all requirements.

“I know there have been some shortfalls.

We, however think fisheries has a bigger role to play but it needs support from qoliqoli owners.

“They (qoliqoli owners) have on the other hand worked in partnership with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in numerous ways reaching out to people at the grassroots level.

“The Government is doing its part at the national level.

“There are only some shortfalls we see in the middle level management.

“We feel something must be done because for some people the fish they catch is their only bread and butter.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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