For more than 50 years, abandoned foreign shipwrecks have leaked toxic waste into the sea off Vatoa Island in the Lau Group.
Now locals say enough is enough.
Villagers are calling for the immediate removal of the wrecks, which they claim have poisoned their traditional fishing grounds (qoliqoli), caused illness, and even cost lives.
“These wrecks are a common nuisance, and they’ve interfered with our right to use and enjoy the very resources we rely on to survive,” said Tevita Tuikabara, spokesperson for the island’s landowners.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Mr Tuikabara said the vessels were dumped decades ago and had since polluted the marine environment and disrupted the lives of those who depended on the ocean for food and income.
He said several cases of toxic-related illnesses and fatalities were believed to be linked to seafood poisoning from the leakage.
In 2009, Mr Tuikabara wrote to the then government, calling for urgent removal of the wrecks but says no action was taken.
“As long as the remains of these vessels lie on our reefs, our people and our seafood are at risk,” he said.
“We’ve lost loved ones to suspected poisoning.
“This is not just an environmental issue — it’s a human one.
“We are calling on the Government and relevant authorities to act now and remove these wrecks from our waters.”
Questions sent to the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Fisheries remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
