THE marine protected area concept adopted by the Korolevu-i-Wai community in Korolevu, Sigatoka, is starting to bear rich rewards for the four villages in the district.
The villages — Tagaqe, Votua, Namada and Votua-i-Lailai — are members of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas, which encourages communities to implement marine protected areas to help conserve and protect marine life in surrounding waters.
Votua Village headman Apimeleki Turagarogo said their MPA had been a success.
“We open it occasionally during important events but we see the value in keeping our fishing grounds closed. I think there is more value in keeping the tabu then having it open for fishing,” Mr Turagarogo said.
He said the benefits included an abundance of marine life.
“Some fish species are reappearing and also the health of our corals is improving.”
He said students from the Georgia University in Australia have been travelling to the village annually to assist in coral replanting programs.
“It’s part of the course work and we welcome the help and technical knowledge they bring to improving the health of marine ecosystem.”
Late last year, FLMMA co-ordinator Brad Carte confirmed that 466 marine protected areas were in existence in the country.
