North beche-de-mer fishers struggle with rising fuel costs

Beche-de-mer fishers travelling from Cakaudrove to Labasa in Macuata say rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living are putting pressure on their livelihoods.

Villiame Misianini of Yasawa Village in Tawake district said the journey to sell their catch was long and expensive, but necessary.

He said fishermen first travelled by boat from their villages in Cakaudrove before hiring transport to Labasa to reach the Fisheries Office and sell their beche-de-mer.

“We travel long distances by sea and then pay again for transport to Labasa. The cost is very high,” Mr Misianini said.

“Before, we could manage, but now fuel is expensive. We spend a lot just to go out fishing and then to bring our catch to market.”

Mr Misianini said there was little profit left after covering fuel and transport costs.

“Sometimes, after all the expenses, we are left with very little. It is becoming difficult to support our families,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he said many fishermen continued because beche-de-mer remained one of their main sources of income.

Another beche-de-mer seller, Ratu Peni Moimoi of Nabukadogo Village in Macuata, said rising fuel prices were also affecting his operations.

“Fuel is very expensive now. It affects everything from going out to sea to bringing our catch back to sell,” Mr Moimoi said.

“We are struggling to balance costs with income, making the trade increasingly difficult to sustain.”