Fiji conservation campaign backed by chief

Transcript

A traditional chief from one of the most actively fished areas in Fiji says restricting grouper fishing in his area will mean long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, a paramount chief from Macuata, has pledged to champion the 4FJ campaign, which urges people to stop fishing during the spawning season in order to help stocks recover.

Studies show a 70 percent decline in fish catch in 30 years, while 73 percent of Fiji's spawning sites are declining.

Ratu Wiliame told Mary Baines why the campaign has his support.

RATU WILIAME: It was simple. It is to conserve for the future and to create some economic activity benefits to the people of today. With the idea of 4FJ, bring benefits, I think it will to the people right here on the ground. Especially the grassroots people - to conserve, protect, and also live on other species that are abundant out there.

MARY BAINES: So can you talk me through how it will work in terms of restricting the fishing during certain months?

RW: Ok, it went through the traditional level, we elected the idea, and we voted the idea through the traditional system, and we are going through creating awareness right down to the grassroots people that live on the fishing grounds for their daily living, for their income. And we've also approached the government and we know the government is fully supporting this initiative. So we are doing it from all sides, everybody must be aware that this is something that is going to happen. So when it comes into place, they have other things to focus on rather than focusing on this particular species.

MB: So what will be economic benefits be for the people?

RW: The benefits, during the spawning season, no one is going to buy this particular species of fish, but other species will be abundant. So they can just fish on that one, and leave this particular species there. So when it is time for them that we can harvest this particular species, you know, there will be more. This is one of the fish that big hotels go for, so there will be more, there will be more to supply. I think it's all about controlled fishing. We are trying to go that direction to go that direction to have controlled fishing environment, where people are educated just to get fish enough for a day, or the amount they can be allowed to catch in a month or a year. We at a traditional role are trying to educate our people that you know, this is the way that we should go in terms of good financial returns and to create sustainability in the future.

MB: And are other traditional chiefs on board as well, talking to their communities about this?

RW: In my province, yes, in my province I am talking to my chiefs, other chiefs here in the province that we should be aware of these changes and this introduction by 4FJ movement. Everyone is doing their own awareness in their own districts.