Fishermen using breathing apparatus sourced from air compression machines to fish have been warned to stop the practice.
Complaints by villagers in Kadavu have revealed that most fishermen fishing off Kadavu waters are using compressors to fish and have drastically depleted most fishing grounds in Kadavu.
Tavuki District representative Fereti Turaga said that compressors are extensively used in Kadavu and requested the Department of Fisheries to intervene and put a stop to it.
Primary Industries Minister, Mr Joketani Cokanasiga assured villagers that the Fisheries Department will do all it can to curb the practice but the support of villagers will be needed.
“We have laws in place that say that this type of fishing is illegal in the country and despite our best efforts there are still people out there who use these machines and put their lives in danger while doing so,”Mr Cokanasiga said.
Mr Cokanasiga adds that history has shown the danger of compressors and those caught will face legal actions.
Vunisea based Fisheries Officer Aporosa Rabo said that villagers in the province are constantly being reminded through tikina meetings and village visits of the dangers of compressors.
“Awareness on the danger of using these machines is often highlighted during district meetings where representatives from each village in a tikina is present and through various trainings and meetings hosted by the Department,” he said.
Rabo adds that most fishermen using compressors, fish illegally in Kadavu waters and most are exploiting areas known as Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
“It’s a sad thing really and I hope that people will be aware of the importance of these MPA’s and refrain from illegal fishing and the use of compressors.”
Kadavu has 52 fishing grounds covered under the MPA project.