Overfishing
Over fishing is when an eco-system has been fished to the detriment or depletion of an organism. This has become an increasingly worse problem here in the Fiji Islands. Fiji has the perfect environment for the fishing industry. The fishing industry has continued to grow due to the large supply of big fish such as tuna. Over 150 fishing licenses have been issued to foreign fishermen from countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. Recently it has become aware to the people that their waters are being overfished, and these foreign vessels are destroying the environment.Overfishing in Fiji waters is caused to the large number of foreign fishing vessels. Some of these vessels are taking illegal steps to ensure they take more fish back home. Recently Greenpeace undertook and investigation in the fishing industry. They found illegal fish vessels in the waters. Fishermen from China would register one boat then paint two or three other boats the same as the registered boat and name it the same as the registered boat. This way it would seem that the boat is a legal registered boat, and then a few days later they would rena
me and paint the boat and match it with another registered boat. For many of them their livelihoods depends on the catching and selling of fish. The ground is 'tabu' for this period of time mean not allowed to be used, marine life are monitored between this time, it allows for the population of bigger fish to increase, it also allows for the farming of clams which are incredibly valuable to the eco-system. Local communities with the help from the University of South Pacific have set up projects around the country. The main target for fishermen are big fish, this inturn creates an unbalance in the ecosystem. Because the waters are overfished, the locals cannot catch any big fish to sell therefore they cannot buy food or send their children to school. After the report done by Greenpeace local authorities began their own investigation into the illegal fishing vessels. The naval authorities have stepped up water patrol to stop any illegal fishing. After the period is over the village can then decide open the fishing grounds or to continue with the 'tabu'. Overfishing has devastation effects; it can effect a whole population, economy, and eco-system. Fishing zones have been set, therefore vessels can only fish in those areas, and if they fish in restricted waters they face fines and can even be taken to court. The overfishing is affecting the daily lives of the local people. Fishing equipment and vessels have improved so much that it allows for more fish to be caught in strike and it also allows for bigger fish to be caught. Only few or no fishing licenses are being issued. Vessels that are not registered are not allowed to dock at the Harbour, this therefore stop them from fueling, and ultimately forcing them to leave.
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