The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests has officially lifted the seasonal ban on Grouper and Coral trout, also known as Kawakawa and Donu, which concluded on September 30. These species play a crucial role in coastal marine ecosystems and are prized as both food sources and for their contribution to local economies.
The temporary ban was put in place to safeguard these fish during their spawning season and to prevent overfishing that could lead to a decline in their populations and the collapse of the fishery.
Minister Responsible Alitia Bainivalu expressed gratitude to the citizens of Fiji for their dedication and support during the ban, which lasted from June 1 to September 30. She encouraged the public to continue collaborating to sustain, manage, and protect the country’s fisheries and ocean resources.
“Now that the ban has been lifted, I urge everyone to practice good stewardship and to fish responsibly and sustainably,” Bainivalu stated.