Illegal fishing in the open oceans of Nadi district in Bua, Vanua Levu, will be monitored by villagers.
This after government handed over two outboard engine fibreglass boats to villagers of Sawani and Nasavu.
Sawani villager Asaeli Drugo said illegal fishing was one of the biggest issues they faced as a community.
“One of the biggest purposes that the boat will serve is monitoring illegal fishing in our qoliqoli, as this is one of the biggest issues the village is facing,” he said.
Nasavu Village headman Maciu Vututawa said they were grateful for the assistance.
While handing over the boats worth $25,000 each, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu said the boats would support the fishing needs of the two villages.
“The engine supports community fishing needs and helps provide communities with needed assets to conduct surveillance activities within coastal areas, access fishing grounds, and access markets,” Mr Ravu said.
