Bureta Enforcement Vessel @WCS-Fiji
Bureta, Ovalau — Efforts to protect marine resources in Bureta District have received a major boost following the donation of a patrol boat by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The long-awaited vessel will help local authorities enforce fishing regulations and combat illegal poaching in the district’s traditional fishing grounds (iQoliqoli).
Poaching in protected tabu areas has been a persistent challenge for the community, threatening the health of the marine ecosystem and undermine local food security. With the new patrol boat, local leaders say they are now better equipped to monitor and safeguard their community-based marine protected areas (MPAs).
Right: Chief of Bureta District Ratu Jone Davila and WCS-Fiji Country Director Paul van Nimwegen signing the Bureta Enforcement Vessel ownership form. @WCS-Fiji.
“We have been experiencing poaching in our iQoliqoli area,” said Ratu Jone Davila, Chief of Bureta District. “Now that we have a boat to conduct patrols, it is of great use to us and will make work easier when conducting patrols. One major challenge was that there was no proper boat for us to do this with.”
The community has maintained MPAs for the past five years, and the benefits are already being seen. “We have seen the spillover effect happening, and this also helps us to sustain marine species for future generations and let them know the importance of having protected areas,” Ratu Jone added. “I would like to acknowledge the Wildlife Conservation Society for this generous initiative in donating a boat to help with our patrols.”
The new vessel will allow patrol teams to cover wider areas more frequently and respond faster to reports of illegal fishing activity. In the past, the lack of adequate transport left the MPAs vulnerable, especially during peak fishing seasons.
“This boat will help us in enforcing the patrols in our fishing grounds and marine protected areas,” said Aisake Vakaloloma, 31, a Fish Warden in Bureta. “It’s been a long-standing request for us to have a boat to help with our Fish Warden work. This will reduce poaching that happens in our iQoliqoli areas and marine protected area.”
Vakaloloma also emphasized the importance of community support and cooperation. “This is not just about having a boat — it’s about working together as a district to protect our resources, educate others, and ensure our ocean continues to provide for us all,” he said.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, which has been active in Fiji for years, continues to support communities like Bureta in strengthening community governance and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By equipping local guardians with the necessary tools, WCS aims to empower indigenous knowledge and leadership in conservation.
With the patrol boat now in operation, the people of Bureta are optimistic about the future of their coastal resources and remain committed to safeguarding their waters — not just for today, but for the generations yet to come.