BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
FISHERMEN in Gizo are facing a new and costly challenge as tuna stocks move farther away from the islands, forcing them to travel longer distances in search of the prized fish.
Veteran fisherman from Titiana Village, Ritang Bauro, told Island Sun that the situation is unlike anything he has experienced in recent years.
He said fishermen now have to leave their villages in the early hours of the morning to reach what they describe as the new “tuna zone.”
“We have to leave our village at 2am so that by daybreak we reach the place where tuna is feeding.
“Then we return around 2pm to Gizo to sell our catch,” Bauro said.
He said the shift in tuna distribution has significantly increased operating costs for local fishermen, particularly fuel expenses, while cutting into their profits.
Bauro said he normally purchases between 60 and 70 litres of fuel for a single fishing trip, costing close to SBD1,000.
“Before, we travelled a short distance from Gizo and returned with enough tuna for the market and our families. Now we have to go much farther and spend longer hours at sea,” he said.
Bauro said his catch yesterday was only enough to feed his family and sell a small portion to meet household expenses.
He said the situation is raising concerns among fishing communities that depend heavily on tuna as both a source of income and food security.
Another local fisherman said traditional tuna fishing grounds that once produced reliable catches have become increasingly difficult to find in recent months.
“Tuna, both big and small, that used to be caught between the small islands are now gone,” he said.
Island Sun visited the Gizo Fish Market and found that tuna remains available for sale, although fishermen say the cost of bringing fish to market has risen sharply.
For generations, fishermen in Gizo have relied on the rich waters surrounding the islands to support their families and livelihoods.
However, the changing conditions have sparked concerns over the future availability of fresh tuna in local markets.
Many fishermen believe the phenomenon is linked to the ongoing El Niño weather pattern affecting countries across the Pacific, including Solomon Islands.
El Niño is known to influence ocean temperatures, rainfall patterns and marine ecosystems.
Scientists have previously warned that warmer sea temperatures can alter tuna migration routes and distribution, causing fish stocks to move away from their traditional habitats.
Despite the growing challenges, fishermen continue to venture farther into deeper waters in search of productive fishing grounds, exposing themselves to greater risks at sea and higher operating costs.
As the dry conditions associated with El Niño persist, fishing communities in Western Province are hoping tuna stocks will eventually return closer to their traditional fishing grounds, easing the burden on those who rely on the sea for their survival.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
