Ministry Pleads for Protection of Turtles
The two female sea turtles named Adi Katonitabua and Adi Moana were set free into the ocean to mark occasion
The Ministry of Fisheries has renewed a call for the need for coastal communities and local fisherman to be true to the protection of sea turtles. This is because of the need to sustain the turtle population for future generations. The call came from the Director of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aisake Batibasaga, as two sea turtles were released into our waters in celebration of World Oceans Day that was celebrated in Lautoka in the past week.
The two female sea turtles called Adi Katonitabua and Adi Moana were set free into the ocean by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries, Naipote Katonitabua. Mr Batibasaga said sea turtles were one of the main marine ectotherms that Fiji focused on in terms of conservation efforts. “We have had three moratoriums and various management measures in place at the community and national level,” he said. “The collaboration and partnership have seen a vast improvement in the shift from turtle harvesting to turtle protection in our communities in Fiji.
“Although continuous work is needed to continue to sustain this turtle population, I am positive that with all your support we can achieve this.”
Mr Batibasaga said although our sea turtles may be seen as a cultural icon, they were still affected by the commercialisation of the cultural tradition.
“We have important roles to play and I urge you all to make informed decisions so that we are able to protect our sea turtles well into the future,” he said.
We have important roles to play and I urge you all to make informed decisions so that we are able to protect our sea turtles well into the future. Aisake Batibasaga Director of the Ministry of Fisheries