Managing fishing efforts is key to Koro Island’s fish stocks – FBC News

During a recent talanoa session on Koro Island, Mere Namudu, Eastern Division Fisheries Director, emphasised the crucial role of fisheries management to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in the region.

Namudu states that effective fisheries management often involves establishing the optimal fishing effort necessary to maintain sustainable catch rates over time.

The fisheries inspector stressed that accurate catch data is needed to address the decline in fish populations off Koro Island and ensure that assistance is available.

“We always ask for catch records. Records of your earnings from the sea, your name and the distances you travel to catch fish. This will help solve the problem of fish shortages in Koro.”

It encourages Koro residents to form cooperatives to maximize the benefits of fisheries management. The government is willing to provide assistance, but most support is given only to cooperatives, not individuals due to ownership issues.

Salanieta Baleigau, district officer of Koro Island, expressed similar sentiments, emphasising the need for more training and awareness programmes to help the local community understand the gravity of the situation.

“Through the collaborative efforts of government and local communities, we hope that these initiatives will lead to better management and protection of Fiji’s marine resources for generations to come.”

To address this issue, the Ministry of Fisheries plans to open a fisheries office in Koro in October and provide additional fisheries awareness training to fisheries wardens.