Resource-owning communities are struggling to enforce laws in their traditional fishing areas, according to Neomai Ravitu, marine manager for the Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji. Ravitu emphasized the importance of enhancing enforcement capabilities to safeguard these fishing grounds.
“This is one of the biggest challenges we face,” she expressed during a workshop organized by the society. The lack of enforcement has led to issues with illegal fishing, which has raised concerns among local communities.
“We hear the call from communities to empower them with the necessary tools to monitor and protect their fishing areas,” Ravitu stated. She mentioned past efforts that involved providing vessels and training residents to serve as fish wardens, enabling them to oversee their own fishing zones.
Ravitu highlighted ongoing problems in areas like Kia in Macuata, where individuals travel from as far as Suva to fish in the local customary waters. She noted that while the Ministry of Fisheries, supported by an international donor, has established a watchtower, there is still a pressing need for additional funding to help these communities effectively monitor their aquatic environments.