The opening of Fiji’s first-of-its-kind marine park at Fantasy Island Marina in Wailoaloa, Nadi, will be delayed following the alleged theft of about one tonne of prime fish stock.
The theft, believed to have occurred between December 21 and December 31, 2025, has resulted in significant financial losses and disrupted years of conservation and breeding efforts, according to park management.
The Fantasy Company Fiji Ltd managing director Abbas Ali said the loss was discovered on January 1, 2026, upon his return from an overseas business trip.
The stolen fish had been bred and nurtured over more than 25 years and included valuable species such as mullet (kanace), milkfish (yawa), mangrove jack (damu), trevally (saqa), puffer fish (sumusumu), grouper (kawakawa), spangled emperor (kawago), surgeon fish (balagi), breadfish (nuqa), Russell’s snapper (baba), reef trout (kawakawa), and barracuda (ogo).
Mr Ali said the theft has caused losses exceeding $25,000 and has jeopardised the planned opening of the marine park, which was scheduled to open to the public this year.
“More than 20 years of effort in building, breeding and maintaining this marine ecosystem has been washed down the drain,” he said.
The Fantasy Island Marine Park, a multi-million-dollar development, was established as both a tourism attraction and a conservation and education centre. The facility features advanced aquarium systems and habitats designed to replicate natural ecosystems, and houses a wide range of marine and freshwater species, including Japanese koi and turtles.
“The park is not only for tourism and entertainment but is also intended to educate students and the wider community on the importance of managing and protecting Fiji’s marine ecosystems,” Mr Ali said.
Police have launched an investigation into the matter, after a formal complaint was lodged with the Nadi Police Station. Mr Ali said the company was strengthening security measures and is appealing to the public for assistance.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of those responsible.
