Kia Islanders Worry Over Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing activities in Kia Island’s fishing grounds (qoliqoli) have created a worrying scenario for people, affecting their income and the marine ecology.

Kia is home to three villages; Ligua, Daku and Yaro being the largest.

Yaro Village headman, Kumueli Lautiki, expressed his concern about the illegal fishing practices in their waters.

Mr Lautiki claimed that boats and fishermen from Labasa and other coastal regions in Macuata were constantly vio­lating fishing rights by diving and fishing at night.

“We can see lights and people in the night-time carrying out their fishing illegally in our area and we are very con­cerned because this has been happening for a couple of years,” he said.

Mr Lautiki confirmed that a complaint had been lodged with the Ministry of Fisheries office in Labasa, last week.

He did say, however, that the ministry had not responded to his inquiry. “According to the Qoliqoli, fishing is not al­lowed within five miles of any island surrounding,” he said.

Mr Lautiki stated that fishing was the only source of in­come for their villagers, and that it was now in danger.

He reiterated that their marine environment was being drastically impacted.

“People are not allowed to fish in the Marine Protected Area (MPA), but these perpetrators continue to breach this protocol by fishing here,” he said.

Mr Lautiki said they always perceive their marine envi­ronment as an important part of their survival.

This illegal fishing is a daily occurrence for Kia Islanders and even on their resting day, Sunday.

Another villager from Daku, Joana Finau shared similar sentiments. Ms Finau said the problem had been a long-term issue and no progress was made by relevant stake­holders.

The overview of the ocean that surrounds Kia Island.

Ministry response

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau, said he was unaware of the current illegal fishing practices in Kia.

“We will have to talk to our officials and see if there are reports from Labasa because I have so far not been briefed about this matter,” he said.

Mr Koroilavesau said they would place emphasis on their patrols by coordinating with the Fiji Navy.

He was aware that a similar problem of illegal fishing ex­isted in Kia Island before.

“We have a very good communication with them, but I am surprised that this report has not come to me,” he said.

Feedbacks: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj