BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
PEOPLE of Pelau in ward 32 of Malaita Outer Islands are recipients under the Malaita government’s FAD programme.
Fishing aggregating device (FAD) are new inventions used to promote sustainable fishing, and Malaita province is utilising FAD across its communities.
Malaita government (MPG) this year has budgeted for six FAD, six to be installed at the mainland and one in its outliers, specifically Pelau, Ontong Java.
Speaking to this paper yesterday, Senior Administration Officer for MOI region under MPG, Mr Manford Kelaho said a team from MPG visiting Lord Howe communities last week installed the FAD at Pelau.
He said the people of Pelau are delighted to receive the FAD and thank MPG for the support.
Kelaho said this is the first of such fisheries project to reach Pelau and will be a lift to their habitual inshore fishing activities to off-shore activity.
The aim of FAD is to discourage fishing at inshore fishing grounds to avoid over harvesting and encourage offshore fishing.
Meanwhile, Kelaho said there are more such fisheries projects planned for Malaita outer islands.
He said the proposal is for two FADs and a fisheries centre for Luaniua. “Work is on the proposal and as it eventuates, it will be established.”
Kelaho said MPG is working tirelessly to ensure services is distributed equally to its people and part of it is now reaching the three wards in MOI.
