Fish sellers can be fined for selling kawakawa and donu during the season ban

Fish sellers that are still selling kawakawa and donu during the season ban can now have their fish confiscated and also be immediately fined with $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for corporations.

This was revealed in a workshop organized by the Communications for Change, where the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, the Fiji Navy and town councils across Fiji are joining forces with the Ministry of Fisheries to ensure the effective enforcement of the recently enacted seasonal ban on catching, selling and exporting of kawakawa and donu.

Ministry of Fisheries Director, Aisake Batibasaga says this is a very important process because they need all the support for the ban to effectively serve its purpose, especially those in the rural communities who rely on fishing for their livelihoods.

Batinibasaga says this training will help spread the message on what the ban is about, why it is important and what it means for those involved in the commercial fishing and sale of these important and highly valuable fish species.

Communication for Change Programs Manager, Mafa Qiolele says the participants will be trained to conduct effective outreach and how to support enforcement actions, when necessary.