Fishing is allowed during curfew hours and the public is requested to contact their nearest Fisheries Service Centre should they need further clarification and advice.
Licensed fishermen are sternly reminded to fish only in iqoliqoli areas or fishing grounds that are clearly specified on their licences.
The Ministry of Fisheries wishes to reiterate the need for co-operation during these challenging times and for fishermen to please respect the various commodity bans that are still in place.
Director Fisheries, Ms Mere Lakeba says that they will be working closely with the Fiji Navy and the Fiji Police Force in the monitoring of all fishing activities occurring in Fiji waters.
“Fishermen are advised to also leave their home ports well-before curfew hours and must take note that the exemption to curfew restrictions only applies whilst out at sea. Those caught on land during the curfew period will face the full brunt of the law,” said Ms Lakeba.
Meanwhile, fishermen in Lautoka are currently issued with special fishing passes before they travel out to sea and stringent measures have also been placed to ensure that they practice social distancing, well informed on preventative measures and undergo thorough screening processes before being allowed to go out fishing.
The Maritime and Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has also issued instructions stating that a maximum of three passengers including boat captain will be allowed in small crafts whether they are traveling to and from the main land for provisioning or for fishing related activities.
For further information, please contact the Ministry of Fisheries on short code 5351.