Fiji and Belize Protect their Reefs

The Fiji Times reports that although the industry supplying the aquarium trade might have been prospering, the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and Forests banned fish collection in the dying days of 2017.

It's good news for many local communities dependent on the reefs for food, and for divers as well, but it puts hundreds of Fijians who work in the aquarist business out of a job. Individuals caught breaching the ban will be penalized to the tune of a $10,000 fine, while companies face a minimum fine of $20,000.

"The ban is basically our commitment to the Ocean Conference in New York and the Coral Alliance," which was launched by Prince Charles and Prince Albert of Monaco," said Semi Koroilavesau, Fisheries Minister. "We need to protect our marine resources, and we will stay committed to it."

Unlike the U.S., which has just opened up its water to oil exploration, Belize has stopped offshore exploration for oil in its waters.

"This is truly 'The People's Law,'" Janelle Chanona, vice president of the NGO Oceana in Belize, said in a report by teleSUR. "Belizeans have remained steadfast in their opposition to offshore oil since they became aware that marine assets were at risk of irreversible damage from the offshore oil industry." The ban was in response to the seismic technology used to probe for oil, which would have occurred less than 1.6 kilometers from the barrier reef and have had tragic consequences for wildlife and fisheries.