Moala Island in Lau Grateful For Ministry Assistance
The world depends on our ocean, the fish within, and the communities of people protecting and managing it. Sustainable fishing ensures that we care for this precious resource. But our ocean is in danger. We are facing an unprecedented global decline in marine fish populations. Ineffective management of our coastal seas — home to critical ecosystems — has led to overfishing and other destructive fishing practices. With nearly 500 million people worldwide depending on smallscale fisheries, coastal overfishing is one of the greatest and most immediate threats to our ocean and the people who depend on it. Human-induced challenges like overfishing and climate change require solutions that help people adopt more sustainable and responsible fishing practices and management. A community-led approach to sustainable fisheries management will safeguard people and nature.
Moala Island work with Fisheries
Moala is a volcanic island in the Moala subgroup of Fiji’s Lau archipelago and it has an area of 62.5 square kilometers (24.1 sq mi), making it the ninth largest island of Fiji.
The population is 3000 who live in eight villages and their economic activities include coconut farming, fishing and yaqona production. Since the establishment of the Fisheries Service Centre on the island in 2019, fisheries projects have increased with officers looking into sustainable methods of harvesting as well as ocean restoration programmes that will enable the people to protect the ocean and its resources.
Staff on the island also travel to the neighboring islands of Matuku and Totoya to provide the much needed services.
There are currently five Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the island of Moala and there are ongoing discussions with the rest of the villages to also set up their MPAs.
Fisherfolk Association and
Ministry officials on the island, Jolame Sikolia and Amani Besetimoala have been working around the clock to ensure that villages set up their Fisherfolk Association. “This will ensure that they have an organised body that looks into the affairs of the fisherfolk in their respective villages. There are also plans to have them seamed right through to the cooperative body and this ensures that in the near future, they will be able to run their organisations as a business,” explained Principal Fisheries Officer (Eastern), Mere Namudu.
Since 2019, the island of Moala has been a hype of activities as they work towards combating climate change and practicing sustainable fisheries.
Around 600 mangrove plants were planted in Naroi, Maloku, Nuku, Vadra and Keteira Villages and this is to assist with their coastline restoration efforts.
“It has been noticed that shorelines have been eaten by the waves and mangrove planting is one way in which we can mitigate its negative impacts. More mangrove will also mean more fish as they often return to the mangrove systems to eat and rest.”
Temporary Lifting of MPAs
Recently, three MPA’s were temporarily lifted and villagers were allowed to take part in the “yavirau” or a traditional method of harvesting fish.
This was carried out in Naroi, Vadra and Maloku Villages and various types of fish were harvested during the opening period. Villagers agree that MPA’s is an exceptional method of protecting their resources as they are now enjoying it’s spillover effect.
“There is so much fish in the MPA’s and whatever comes out of that ‘Tabu’ zone, can be fished and we have witnessed the effects of setting up no-take zones in our waters,” explained 57-year old Inosi Delailoa of Naroi Village.
“During the recent temporary lifting, we managed to catch so much fish and this event was witnessed by all the villagers. They now appreciate and have come to value the importance of MPA’s,” said Mr Delailoa.
Mud Crab Fattening Project
The mud crab fattening project has also been activated in Maloku Village and this will ensure that all undersized mud crabs are protected until they are ready to be harvested.
“Mesh netting has been set up in an enclosed space in which we are placing undersized crabs. Villagers who come across undersized crabs, know that they have to place them inside. We all take turns in feeding them inside their space and of course we continue to monitor their growth,” explained Mr Besetimoala.
Coral planting
The Ministry has also been working closely with Non-Government organisations like Conservation International in the rehabilitation of coastlines and oceans.
A total of 700 coral plants have already been planted in the Naroi and Nuku MPA’s.
The Ministry will continue its efforts in coral planting as it has so many benefits to the marine resources as well as the health of the ocean.
Planting of coral will continue for Moala Island and the support shown by villages have been overwhelming.
Giant Clam Program
Giant clams play an integral role in our oceans hence the reason of placing them in the MPA’s. Moala Island alone has a total of 40 Giant clams placed in 5 marine protected areas across the island.
The importance of giant clams in our coral ecosystems cannot be overly emphasised as they play a crucial role on the reefs in which they are found. As large bivalves, they are efficient water filterers, removing excess nutrients that flow into the reefs from land. They also grow very large, dense shells which contribute to the growth of reef structure and provide habitat and settlement for a wide range of other reef animals.
The Ministry of Fisheries and its development partners have been working hard over the years on reviving giant clam species by producing them at the Makogai Island Mariculture Centre which is then distributed to interested communities across Fiji.
Giant clams offers more towards the health of our ocean as well as economic returns to the communities and the ministry is working towards ensuring that the reseeding program is replicated around the country.
Delailoa thanks Ministry for efforts in protecting oceans
“I have to thank the Ministry of Fisheries for the continued efforts since they opened their centre here in Moala. We have truly learnt a lot from the work that has been carried out so far,” explained Mr Delailoa.
He added that they have attending trainings on sustainable harvesting of fish.
“We have learnt to only harvest what we can sell and utilise in our homes. Leave the rest at sea for another day,” he smiled.
Mr Delailoa says that through the ice-plant services, families have been able to store their catch for a longer period.
“We are able to travel out to sea and with our ice stored in containers, we are able to maintain the freshness of fish and this also ensures quality harvests,” explained Mr Delailoa.
“We hear and read about climate change and the various programmes in place for Moala should surely assist in mitigating its negative effects. The introduction of MPA’s on the island needs to be applauded as we are protecting our marine resources for generations to come.”
Mr Delailoa adds that coral replanting has been an eye opener for many of the villagers.
“We are merely restoring life below water. Coral play a huge role and this is important in order for our oceans to be healthy. When oceans are healthy, we can then enjoy more fish and marine resources,” he added.
The Ministry will continue to implement programs and activities in collaboration with villages across the country as it work towards sustaining, managing and protecting our fisheries.
The work carried out in Moala has been replicated in other islands across the Eastern Division and more fishers are becoming aware of the need to protect the ocean and its resources.