Co-management of coastal resources in Fiji (Part 1): FLMMA and coastal fisheries management

Abstract

Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) network has developed recently to manage coastal resources in Fiji. The Fisheries Department of the government, the University of the South Pacific and NGOs lead their respective FLMMA sites. At one of the sites, Ucunivanua village, the stock of a bivalve “Kaikoso” has increased even outside of a MPA. The community has monitor the results of the management. At Sasa village gill-netting had been banned by chiefs in the district since 1990. Although the resources have been conserved for subsistence fishers, commercial hand-line and spear fishing boats could be increased to sustainable level. At Kiuva village Bech-de-mer fisheries are active and may need proper management soon. Flesh water aquaculture and sub-surface fish aggregating devices would work as the alternative income sources for the management. Resource ownership of coastal waters may return to the communities affecting future direction of FLMMA.