A husband and wife duo running a dive and resort business on Nukubati Island in Vanua Levu have raised alarms about the rising pollution in ocean waters, which threatens marine life and creates embarrassing situations for them while taking tourists on dives. In a conversation following their presentation at the 2025 Women Invigorating the Nation Convention, Lara Bourke and Leone Vokai expressed their frustrations regarding the increasing amount of waste, particularly plastics and everyday rubbish from the mainland that find their way into the reefs.
Leone Vokai spoke about starting the Great Sea Reef diving company in 2012, recalling a time when the waters were relatively clean. “Now, especially in the last three years, we see a drastic increase in rubbish – diapers, plastic bottles, and even fridges in the waters,” he lamented. Vokai highlighted the distressing sight of marine animals, including sharks, impacted by this waste, making it particularly difficult when hosting tourists.
The couple urged the government to enhance waste management strategies, pointing out that much of the rubbish comes from Labasa Town’s nearby dump, which spills materials into the sea during flooding. Ms. Bourke emphasized the importance of education from a young age to instill better waste disposal habits and called for governmental support to manage and reduce the waste generated in the region effectively.
These concerns align with broader issues regarding waste management in Fiji. Officials like Lenora Qereqeretabua, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, have voiced similar worries about littering, underscoring the need for communities to take responsibility for waste disposal. There is a growing realization among community leaders that collective action and civic pride are essential in tackling litter and pollution that not only impacts local beauty but also threatens the tourism industry, an integral part of Fiji’s economy.
The couple’s proactive approach, alongside government initiatives calling for conservation awareness and community solidarity, brings hope for future improvements in the management of marine ecosystems. With collaborative efforts from individuals, local entities, and the government, there is potential for significant positive change that could enhance the natural environment and the overall tourist experience in Fiji.
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