The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has expressed deep concern over recent social media and news reports showing several garbage bags floating in the sea near Qamea Island.
In a statement, the Ministry said it had acknowledged the footage and commended members of the local community who acted swiftly to retrieve the marine litter.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, condemned the irresponsible disposal of waste, warning that such behaviour threatens community wellbeing and poses serious risks to Fiji’s fragile marine ecosystem.
The Ministry said it was alerted to the incident on 13 November 2025 and immediately commenced internal investigations with authorities and hoteliers in Taveuni and Qamea to determine the source of the waste.
Although the origin remains unconfirmed, officials say the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
A joint inspection involving Ministry officials and relevant stakeholders will be carried out in Taveuni and Qamea over the weekend and into early next week.
“The Ministry operates under strict environmental guidelines under the Environment Management Act 2005, including a waste permitting and management system that all facilities are expected to comply with,” said Mr Bulitavu.
The Ministry thanked the local community for their responsible actions and said officials will meet them during the inspection to support the ongoing investigation.
