The ban campaign is targeted
to protect prized food fish - kawakawa and donu
The 4FJ campaign (short for For Fiji) is designed to break through the noise about a critical issue to Fiji's future. It initially started to help protect prized food fish in Fiji by empowering people to not fish, buy, sell, export or eat kawakawa and donu during their breeding season (June - September). Here is what you can do to help revive our grouper fisheries.
what is the problem?
Grouper, commonly known locally by names such as kawakawa and donu, are an important source of protein for our communities. Groupers, sought after by urban residents and tourists alike, are also commercially valuable to Fiji’s economy.
The fish is just hmm, mmm good, no way around that.
But as our population grows and the demand for both food and income grows, these fish are disappearing all across Fiji.
Here's a snapshot of the problem, based on research conducted by Yvonne Sadovy, of the University of Hong Kong and the Fiji Department of Fisheries:
Bottom line: Unless action is not take to better manage these fish, which help support our villages, our culture and our economy, these fish face a bleak future. True story.
What can we do?
Better managing food fish is a complex challenge. When experts starting talking about the solutions, that’s when most of start thinking about the last episode of Shortland Street. Indeed, there are many different factors in ensuring fish populations remain healthy. But here’s the good news about grouper: There is something easy to do that can make a difference right now and that can make life better for years to come.
These fish reproduce predictably every year at the same time from June through to September. So if we don’t eat the fish when during these times, we will let them release literally millions of eggs instead and fish populations will begin to rebound.
So 4FJ is asking people from all walks of life, from our villages to our fish markets to our board rooms and to our government leaders to take a simple pledge: “I will not eat, buy or sell grouper from June through September.”
These are the months that grouper reproduce. So at the risk of repeating ourselves, if we let these fish reproduce each year, then we will have more fish for years to come. It’s that simple. Don’t eat ‘em June to September and feast the rest of the year.
everyone is part of the solution!
The goal of the pledge is to let these fish reproduce and fill our fish baskets for years to come. But this campaign wants to do more than just collect names and talk about fish biology. While people are stepping forward to do the right thing, it is important to remind ourselves why this campaign is so important. To remember that 4FJ is not about fish, it is about us.
So the campaign team will shine a spotlight on the people who are taking the pledge. We want to know why saving Fiji’s grouper is important to you. We want to know what it means to you, your family, your village, your island, your country. We realise that there are so many environmental messages coming at you right now. Save this, stop that. What we often forget in our busy lives is why these issues are so important. We also don’t always recognise how much everyone cares about them as well.
So stand up and tell your 4FJ story. From community members to business leaders to cultural and political leaders to fishermen to chefs to urban professionals, to mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, we want to hear why you care.
But that’s just the start. We want you to help, too. Here’s how you can join the movement:
TELL US YOUR 4FJ STORY: Send us an email, drop by our office, give us a call. But whatever you do, add your voice to the movement.
SPREAD THE WORD: Once you have brushed up on the issue, talk to your family, your friends, and your colleagues about taking the pledge and joining the movement.
SUPPORT 4FJ BUSINESSES: As part of the 4FJ campaign, chefs at hotels and restaurants in Fiji are taking the pledge, too. Once they do, you can reward them by giving them your business.
VOLUNTEER: Email or drop us a line for how you can help. We will find a way for you to help.
DONATE/SPONSOR EVENTS: Every bit helps. You can sponsor events, marketing campaigns, community outreach, or just give what you can, and we will put it to good use.
LEARN MORE: Follow our Facebook page and contact us to receive information materials.
Vinaka vakalevu!