Fiji: Wardens in MPAs touted as major advance in ensuring conservation effectiveness
THE appointment of fish wardens in marine-protected areas has been effective and this is evident through the increasing number of fishing licences issued to villagers.
Fisheries officer Northern Katangateman Tokabwebwe said most fishermen carried fishing licences with them.
"The fish wardens have the power to inspect a fishing boat and demand for fishing licence. They have been improvements. This is shown in the number of fishing licences issued to people," he said.
The fish wardens also monitor the size of fish caught. "There have been some instances where our fish wardens have come across men catching fish which are small in size. However, we haven't seen any small-sized fish being sold in the market," Mr Tokabwebwe said.
Fish warden Semi Naisau, 40 of Nakalou Village in Macuata, said people needed to be constantly reminded of the laws.