The Yasawa Group and Mamanuca Islands have been declared biosecurity emergency areas following the detection of the Tongan fruit fly (Bactrocera facialis), with strict controls now in place to prevent the pest’s spread.
A notice published in the Fiji Gazette states that the declaration was made by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, under Section 77 of the Biosecurity Act 2008, on the advice of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) and in consultation with the National Disaster Risk Management Council.
The declaration will remain in force for six months from the date of publication in the Gazette.
Under the emergency measures, the movement of a wide range of fruits, vegetables and host materials from the Yasawa Group and Mamanuca Islands is prohibited.
Restricted produce includes mangoes, guavas, papayas, citrus fruits, avocados, breadfruit, starfruit, roses, capsicum, tomatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, cucumbers, melons and other host materials identified by BAF.
The Gazette notice also states that host material includes all fruits found in the Yasawa Group and Mamanuca Islands.
The restrictions are aimed at containing the Tongan fruit fly and preventing it from spreading to other parts of Fiji, where it could pose a significant threat to agriculture and horticultural production.
The notice warns that any person who contravenes directions made under the declaration commits an offence under Sections 79(3) and 94 of the Biosecurity Act 2008 and is liable to the penalties prescribed under Schedule 5 of the Act.
The declaration was made on July 28, 2026, and is signed by Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna.
