Fishers can continue fishing during curfew hours

Fishing is allowed during curfew hours and fisherfolks are asked to please contact their nearest Fisheries Service Centre should they need further clarification and advice.

Licensed fishers are sternly reminded to fish only in iqoliqoli areas or fishing grounds that are clearly specified on their licenses. The Ministry of Fisheries wishes to reiterate the need for co-operation during these challenging times and for fishers to please respect the various commodity bans that are still in place.

Director Fisheries Mere Lakeba said they would be working closely with the Navy and Police in the monitoring of all fishing activities occurring in Fiji waters. “Fishermen are advised to also leave their home ports well-before curfew hours and must take note that the exemption to curfew restrictions only applies whilst out at sea,” Mrs Lakeba said.

“Those caught on land during the curfew period will face the full brunt of the law.”

Meanwhile, fishers in Lautoka are currently issued with special fishing passes before they travel out to sea and stringent measures have also been placed to ensure that they practice social distancing, are well informed on preventative measures and undergo thorough screening processes before being allowed to go out fishing.

The Maritime and Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has also issued instructions stating that a maximum of three passengers including the boat captain would be allowed in small crafts, whether they are traveling to and from the mainland for provisioning or for fishing related activities.