Ministry of Fisheries confirms that fishing is allowed during curfew hours

The Ministry of Fisheries confirms that fishing is allowed during curfew hours.

The Ministry says fishermen should only fish in their iqoliqoli (traditional fishing ground) areas or fishing grounds that are clearly specified on their licences.

Director Fisheries Mere Lakeba says that they will be working closely with the Fiji Navy and the Fiji Police Force in the monitoring of all fishing activities occurring in Fiji waters.

She is also advising fishermen to leave their home ports well-before curfew hours and take note that the exemption to curfew restrictions only applies while they are out at sea.

Lakeba adds that those caught on land during the curfew period will face the full brunt of the law.

Meanwhile fishermen in Lautoka are currently issued with special fishing passes before they travel out to sea and stringent measures have also been placed to ensure that they practice social distancing well informed on preventative measures and undergo thorough screening processes before being allowed to go out fishing.