MACUATA paramount chief Ratu Aisea Katonivere has reiterated that the vanua of Caumatalevu will not entertain any poaching or attempts by its people to slay turtles illegally without following proper procedure.
His assurance follows concerns raised by some villagers regarding the illegal slaying of turtles within some districts in the province.
"The processes laid down by government agencies are clear and the Fisheries Department has the final say in matters regarding the harvest of sea turtles for consumption," Ratu Aisea said.
"'It is well known throughout the province that the killing of turtles has been banned and any killing of turtles without the consent of the Fisheries Department is therefore illegal," he said.
Tui Nadogo Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali said he had not received reports of illegal killing of turtles.
"But I will not tolerate that in my district and I am pleading with villagers to follow the proper procedure in obtaining permission to slay turtles," Ratu Ilisaniti said.
"It is important that no one breaks the law and kill turtles to have it in any function," he said.
Udu District representative Ratu Alipate Matadigo said the process laid down by government was clear.
"In any event, the villagers write to the provincial office stating their interests for slaying turtles and this letter is then referred to the Fisheries Department who give their consent," he said.
Head of the Fisheries Department in the Northern Division Gerald Billings said they had not received any complaints regarding any illegal slaying of turtles in the province.
"However, procedures are clear and villagers are aware of these processes," Mr Billings said.
Ratu Aisea has however, urged qoliqoli owners within the province to abide by the processes laid down as these will ensure the conservation of resources for future generation.