“WE don’t want foreigners exploiting our seas,” said Tui Moala Ratu Irivi Draunidalo as he raised concerns over the increasing foreign fishing activity around Moala Island. He said the presence of ‘outside’ vessels was putting pressure on the island’s marine resources and livelihoods.
Attending the week long exchange visit under Conservation Internatioina’s Large Marine Seascape Program, Ratu Irivi told this newspaper the people of Lau relied heavily on marine resources. “We have only a small portion of land, but the ocean is what we rely on,” he said. “They will come in their big boats and scare the fish. This is what I’ve heard.”
Ratu Irivi said Moala’s communities were advocating for stronger rights and protections through government partnerships and local initiatives, especially under the Lau Seascape initiative. “For us, with the help of the Government, to have more rights, I think it will help the people. “Likewise, the Fiji Government, there will be benefits on both sides.
