MORE than 70 per cent of fish surrounding Viti Levu have been found to contain microplastics.
This was revealed in a 2025 study titled ‘Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji’ that sampled 184 fish across 21 species from fishing communities including Galoa, Silana, and Yadua.
Fisheries and Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu described the findings as “deeply concerning” and called for stricter enforcement of litter laws to prevent plastics from entering marine environments.
Ms Bainivalu said this highlighted the widespread presence of microplastic pollution in the country’s coastal waters.
In comparison, 68 per cent of fish sampled in Suva alone were found to contain microplastics, indicating that the problem was not limited to rural or urban areas.
“I think we should enforce very stringent litter laws so that people are aware that throwing rubbish is not right and then when they do it they get charged,” Ms Bainivalu said.
“If it means keeping plastics from being ingested by our marine organisms, then I fully support it.”
Ms Bainivalu highlighted the close relationship between coastal communities and the sea, noting that around 60 per cent of Fijians live along the coast and rely on fisheries for their livelihoods.
“Many people do not fully understand the importance of properly disposing of rubbish or plastics, whether in coastal areas or while travelling by boat between villages.
“Even though there has been a ban on plastic packaging in supermarkets, studies show that rubbish is still entering the sea from coastal communities, creeks and drains.”
Ms Bainivalu urged the public to recognise that activities on land had a direct impact on the marine environment, stressing that plastics and litter eventually ended up in the sea.
Bainivalu raises concern
PLASTICS found in fish are becoming a serious concern for Fiji’s coastal communities and fishermen. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu revealed that a substantial number of fish across the country have ingested microplastics, raising concerns about the sustainability of fisheries and the safety of seafood.
The minister highlighted the Blue Fishing Project, which recently received a $4.8million European Union grant, as a key initiative to empower fisher communities to adopt sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices throughout the fisheries supply chain.
“The project helps to instil a sense of professionalism on the supply chain of harvesting these fisheries resources,” Ms Bainivalu said.
“From the moment the fish is caught, the methods used are sustainable and environmentallyfriendly, up to the point the product is consumed or exported.”
She acknowledged, however, that microplastic contamination presented a new challenge for both fishers and consumers.
“In terms of providing healthy food, fishermen have a responsibility, and we rely on fish for our livelihoods.
Now that plastics are being found in fish, it might change the way we eat.
“It is a deterrent, but through this program, the six selected sites are becoming more aware of what to do and what not to do, and they can help raise awareness in their communities.”
Ms Bainivalu emphasised the need for nationwide awareness about microplastics in seafood, calling on communities to better understand the impact of littering and the importance of protecting Fiji’s marine environment.
“The whole country needs to have more awareness around this issue.”
