Fish Aggregate Devices have been installed in Kadavu, Lomaiviti, some parts of Lau, Tailevu North and Ra.
Fish Aggregate Devices are used to attract fish such as marlin, tuna and mahi‑mahi, and they usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete blocks.
Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau has confirmed that the Ministry has a Fish Aggregate Device Programme as a means of a source of income for people who will soon have to cease the export of Beach-de-mer.
Koroilavesau says that along with the Fish Aggregate Devices, the Ministry of Fisheries has also provided, fishing gear and training for the people.
He says that since Tropical Cyclone Winston, 22 Fish Aggregate Devices that cost $22,000 each and fishing gear have been installed in Koro, Gau, Ovalau, Ra and Kadavu.
Koroilavesau adds that a team from the Ministry of Fisheries will soon be in Lau to install Fish Aggregate Devices, supply fishing gear to the communities and provide training.
The stoppage of the fishing, selling and exporting of Donu and Kawakawa and the stoppage of the fishing and selling of undersized fish as well as the stoppage of the export of Beach-de-mer are three of the four sustainable initiatives that was announced last week to be implemented at the end of this month.
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