Empowering Local Communities to Protect Marine Resources and Combat Illegal Fishing.
Kubulau and Dama Districts, Bua Fiji – The Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji Program is proud to announce the handover of a new enforcement vessel to the District of Kubulau and Dama. This crucial addition to the local community's efforts marks a significant step in strengthening the protection of marine resources within the Districts of Kubulau and Dama and will enhance the ability of Honorary Fish Wardens and the Natural Resource Management Committee to monitor and enforce fishing rules, safeguard Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and promote sustainable fisheries.
Kubulau Enforcement and Dama Enforcement Vessels.
For years, both districts have faced increasing challenges from illegal poaching within their traditional fishing grounds, or iQoliqoli, threatening local biodiversity and food security. The new vessel will provide the necessary tools to local patrol teams, enabling them to respond more swiftly to violations and expand their reach, ensuring the long-term health of the district's marine environment.
Paulo Kolikata, Kubulau District Natural Resource Owners Committee Leader receiving the Kubulau Enforcement Vessel at Kiobo Village.
“We have been struggling for years with the absence of a patrol boat, which delayed our efforts to protect our iQoliqoli from poaching,” said Paulo Kolikata, leader of the Kubulau Natural Resource Owners Committee. “With this new vessel, we now have the means to patrol our waters and send a strong message to poachers. We’re confident this will help us protect our iQoliqoli areas for the benefit of future generations.”
Kubulau and Dama Enforcement Vessels.
The vessel will also support the management of the community’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), ensuring they remain safe from illegal fishing and other unsustainable practices. The enforcement vessel’s impact will be felt across both Kubulau and Dama districts, as the surrounding communities work together to protect their vital marine ecosystems.
Chief of Kubulau District, Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau during the Kubulau District Enforcement Vessel handover at Kiobo Village.
Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau, Chief of Kubulau District, expressed his gratitude for WCS’s ongoing support: “With the handover of this Enforcement Vessel, we are now better equipped to patrol our iQoliqoli waters. This will play a crucial role in safeguarding our Marine Protected Area and ensuring the preservation of our marine resources for future generations. This initiative not only strengthens our ability to monitor and protect our waters, but also highlights the importance of sustainably managing our marine resources, reinforcing their deep connection to our identity as a community.”
Dama District Representative, Vilive Vuinasova receiving the Dama Enforcement Vessel during the handover at Dama Village.
The importance of the vessel also extends beyond enforcement to supporting long-term marine health and food security, says Vilive Vuinasova, the Dama District Representative: “Our marine resources have faced numerous challenges, from illegal fishing to unsustainable practices, and for a long time, we lacked the proper equipment to manage and protect our iQoliqoli areas. With this new vessel, we now have the means to safeguard both our iQoliqoli areas and our Marine Protected Area from illegal poaching. This vessel will significantly improve our ability to protect our waters, and in time, we expect to see a 'spill-over' effect where marine life thrives, meaning we won’t need to travel as far to fish in the future.”
WCS-Fiji Country Director, Paul van Nimwegen signing over the Kubulau Enforcement Vessel to the Chief of Kubulau District (green shirt) Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau and also signing over the Dama District Enforcement Vessel to the Chief of Dama District, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua (yellow shirt).
WCS’s commitment to the safeguarding marine biodiversity aligns with the goals of Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries. Nacanieli Bola, Fisheries Technical Officer for Bua, highlighted the alignment with national objectives: “This vessel will greatly assist the committee in protecting our iQoliqoli boundaries from non-licensed fishermen and poachers, including those coming from other villages or even areas like Suva. It supports the Ministry of Fisheries' goals of enforcing fishing regulations, promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, and reducing illegal fishing activities.”
Chief of Dama District, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua during the Dama District Enforcement Vessel handover in Dama Village.
Finally, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua, Chief of Dama District, emphasized the cultural and environmental significance of the vessel’s handover: “With this enforcement vessel, we are empowered to carry out our responsibility to both our ancestors and future generations. This vessel will allow us to monitor our Marine Protected Area more effectively, reduce illegal fishing activities, and encourage sustainable practices. It also aligns with our broader vision of preserving the balance between our people and the environment.”