THE supply of a new boat will now help the Nakovacake Fish Wardens Association in Navoci Village, Nadi, to protect its boundaries from illegal fishing.
Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau handed over a new boat and engine to the association yesterday afternoon.
“Usually my ministry gives boats to maritime communities such as those in Lau, Kadavu and Lomaiviti, but this is the first occasion for a village on mainland Viti Levu to be handed a boat and engine,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
He thanked the Nakovacake Development Trust for their commitment to improving the livelihoods of their people.
The association was established by the Trust, with an emphasis on youths to see the importance of protecting their traditional fishing grounds. It has a total of 30 licensed fish wardens who have undergone training and are certified.
“There has been an increase of illegal fishing reported in our waters so this new boat from the Fisheries Ministry will also greatly help us to protect our boundaries,” said Trust secretary Asinate Dawai.
The wardens are organised by the Trust to take patrol shifts, with their traditional fishing grounds, which spans from Akuilau Island near Denarau to Lomolomo, Vuda.
Their new boat cost $24,000 with a 75 horsepower engine and is the second to be handed out by the Ministry of Fisheries.
