The Fijian government has imposed a nationwide four-month seasonal ban on the fishing and trade of Kawakawa (grouper) and Donu (coral trout) as part of efforts to protect fish stocks during their peak breeding season.
The ban took effect on June 1 and will remain in force until Sept. 30, covering all species of Kawakawa and Donu throughout Fiji.
Under the restrictions, the fishing, sale, transport, possession, purchase, export and distribution of the two fish species are prohibited nationwide.
According to Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries, the annual measure is designed to allow the species to reproduce during their spawning season, helping maintain healthy fish populations and supporting the long-term sustainability of the country's fisheries sector.
Fishers and seafood vendors holding stocks caught before the ban were permitted to sell them only until 11 p.m. on May 31.
Any remaining stock must be frozen, properly labeled with the fisher's or vendor's name and the date received, and stored for the duration of the ban. The ministry also requires existing inventories to be reported in writing to the nearest fisheries office by June 1 and made available for inspection.
The seasonal closure forms part of Fiji's broader fisheries management strategy aimed at safeguarding marine resources and ensuring sustainable harvest levels for future generations.
The Ministry of Fisheries has called on fishers, seafood vendors, exporters and the public to support the initiative, noting that compliance is essential to protecting the country's marine ecosystems and fisheries-dependent livelihoods.
Failure to comply with the ban constitutes an offence under Fiji's fisheries regulations and may result in enforcement action by authorities.
The restrictions are expected to affect segments of Fiji's domestic seafood trade and export market during the four-month period, while contributing to the replenishment of key commercial reef fish stocks.
