Young people from across Fiji are stepping up to lead pledges drives at markets, major bus stops and at community and sporting events on weekends.
"It’s exciting to be part of the 4FJ movement, to help spread the message to avoid Undersized Fish to let them breed and help our communities better meet their food and income needs,” said Kolora Lewadradra, University of the South Pacific Marine Science graduate.
Kolora Leweadradra, Marine Science student, volunteers in the Suva team to help spread the message (photo credit: Russell Lovo, cChange)
Set up with pledge boards, team of volunteers are walking through urban areas, explaining the changes facing fishers today with declining catches, and how people can help.
The ask? Take the 4FJ Fish Smart Pledge to avoid undersize fish and then spread the word to your friends and families. Most take up the fish board and make the pledge, some decline, but everyone listens and share their thoughts.
The 4FJ campaign’s ultimate goal is to bring everyone together in a national talanoa about reviving Fiji’s fishing grounds.
And age is not a barrier to get involved and volunteer. One volunteer recruited her dad, Luke Vulo, to lead a pledge drive in their community in Fiji's old capital, Levuka. Vulo shared the message during a recent rugby tournament there.
Through volunteers in Suva, Nasinu, Nausori, Lautoka, and Nadi, a total 683 pledges were made in the last month, which translates into hundreds and hundreds of conversations with people about the need to avoid undersized fish. Vanua Levu is targeted next.
“We can’t thank our volunteers enough. This campaign is successful because of the many, many conversations it creates about the health of our fishing grounds and giving people something they can do, right here, right now about it,” said Mesu Kuiladra, the volunteer coordinator, from cChange, the organisation that created the campaign.
Volunteers are provided face-to-face or online training on key messages and a pledge drive toolkit, he said. Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer at least once a month for a few hours at markets, major bus stations and community and sporting events.
If you would like to create a 4FJ Fish Smart Pledge Drive team in your community or find out if you join a team, please email Mesu at mesulame@cchange4good.org.
Vinaka to all 4FJ Fish Smart volunteers for their ongoing support to help spread the message to Say No to Undersized Fish.
Pledge Drives are supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans Initiative and Oceans 5.