ALL grouper fish (Kawakawa) and coral trout (Donu) confiscated by the Ministry of Fisheries during the four month seasonal ban will not be returned.
Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau said while the ministry focused on raising awareness on the ban of this grouper fish , communities needed to be informed that all fishes that were confiscated would not be returned.
“With the discretion of the permanent secretary, the confiscated fish will either be used for research or will be trialled for aquaculture fish feed production,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
“Fishermen, merchants and restaurant operators around the country who had their fish confiscated need to remember that the same operation will be carried out next year and the ministry will be placing stringent measures.”
He said the Ministry of Fisheries only opted to issue written warnings to offenders rather than issuing penalties that were substantial and ranged from $2000-$10,000.
Mr Koroilavesau said while the ban on this grouper fish had been lifted, the ministry would continue to carry out awareness leading up to 2019.
