DEAR EDITOR, late evening news relayed by Radio New Zealand last night, Thursday, 23 August 2018, gave a grim report of the reported loss of Fiji’s coastal fisheries resources.
My mind was immediately focused on the food security needs of those communities in the Solomons dependent on coastal fishing.
I repeat the text of the news broadcast. (quote) “Fiji’s coastal fishery resources have been depleted due to years of over-exploitation, an agriculture official says.
“Naipote Katonitabua, the acting permanent secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, said food security for Fijians living in coastal communities was at risk.
“The FBC reported him saying coastal fisheries provided extensive benefits for Fijian communities, including employment and nutrition.
“But communities involved with fisheries needed to work with government to better manage coastal resources, Mr Katonitabua said.
“Over-exploitation of coastal fisheries was a Pacific-wide pattern and the focus of various regional commitments aimed at countering the problem, he said.
“One example was the Melanesian Spearhead Group roadmap for inshore fisheries management and sustainable development, the official said.” Copyright @ 2018, Radio New Zealand.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
