The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has begun active on-the-ground surveillance in the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups after the government declared a biosecurity emergency over the Tongan Fruit Fly, the authority confirmed today. Officers have been deployed to work directly with local communities carrying out trapping, inspections and field surveillance aimed at detecting and containing the pest before it establishes more widely.
BAF says the operation is focused on early detection and preventing the spread of the Tongan Fruit Fly, a threat the authority describes as critical to protecting Fiji’s agriculture sector, food security and livelihoods in island communities. Teams are placing traps, conducting inspections of orchards and backyard gardens, and engaging residents and farmers to locate any infestations and advise on containment measures.
The response has been activated under the Biosecurity Emergency—Tongan Fruit Fly Regulations 2025. Those regulations establish strict movement controls in declared emergency zones, with the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups specifically named as affected areas in the current measures. Under the emergency rules, the transfer of host materials from these zones is prohibited to reduce the risk of further spread.
BAF has warned that non-compliance with the emergency regulations carries heavy penalties aimed at deterring actions that could undermine containment. Individuals who break the movement restrictions can face fines up to $40,000, while companies risk penalties up to $200,000. The authority urged residents, farmers and visitors in the affected islands to cooperate with biosecurity officers and to adhere to the movement restrictions while surveillance and response activities continue.
Local engagement forms a key part of the operation: officers are working with community leaders to explain the surveillance program and to help people recognise and report suspect fruit or pest activity. BAF officials said trapping and inspection results will guide any further control measures and the geographic extent of restrictions, but did not yet identify any confirmed new infestations beyond the original detection that prompted the emergency declaration.
The deployment represents the latest development in Fiji’s effort to guard its horticulture and island livelihoods from invasive pests. Authorities stressed that swift detection and strict movement controls give the best chance of limiting impacts, particularly in island groups where containment is more feasible if acted on quickly. Officials have indicated they will provide updates as surveillance data is gathered and any additional actions are taken.
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