Yachties helping out
by Noonsite 7 Aug 2023 23:55 UTC
The islanders of Matuku, in Fiji's Lau group, have decided to implement three big "Tabu" (traditional ban) no-fishing zones around their island to protect all species of reef fish, thanks to the efforts of Austrian cruisers Birgit Hackl and Christian Feldhauer.
Birgit and Christian have been cruising in the South Pacific for several years, and often return from snorkeling trips sad and depressed by dead coral and lack of fish and marine life. However, in Matuku, they were delighted to see a pristine and healthy marine environment, which they realised needed protecting to ensure the future of the ecosystem. Their efforts to talk with the locals about the necessity to limit fishing/harvesting have finally paid off and local fishermen now understand the need to take measures to ensure a future for their fishing grounds. Read their report about how the Matuku Tabu came into being here.
Earlier in 2023, Vanuatu was battered by two cyclones and an earthquake. In a show of support and camaraderie from the cruising community, rally organisers and cruisers in the South Pacific gathered much-needed aid and supplies for devastated parts of the country. Luc Callebaut, one of the aid mission's organisers, reports on its successful delivery.
More than 40 cruisers visiting Tonga joined up with the Vava'u Environmental Protection Association and locals to help in a massive beach clean up at Neiafu on the island of Vava'u. A report on their efforts can be found here.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.