Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 23:36
COALITON GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS EFFORTS TO...
The Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu highlighted the Coalition Governments efforts in managing ciguatera fish posioning (CFP) or Damu or red snapper in the country, during parliament yesterday. (01.10.24)
Hon. Bainivalu stated that ciguatera fish posioning is prevalent from the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated toxins, especially during warmer months or cyclones seasons, from November to April.
The Minister added, to strengthen its efforts to combat Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, the Ministry of Fisheries has established 24 fisheries service centres across the country.
"These centres supply ice to fishers to preserve fish, maintain freshness, and prevent the release of enzymes from fish, which speeds up the fish's spoilage rate and causes fish poisoning."
Additionally, the Minister stressed that the Ministry's Advisory Divisions, serving in the four divisions continue to provide post-harvest training to licensed fishers on how to maintain seafood freshness and quality.
"The training includes the proper use of ice and adequate hygiene during harvesting, processing, distribution, and marketing of the fish product."
The Minister also commended the tremendous support the Government of Japan have provided through the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation in installing and monitoring ice machines in the 24 stations, including ongoing training and capacity building of our Technical Services staff in operating and servicing the machines.
Hon. Bainivalu stated that ciguatera fish posioning is prevalent from the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated toxins, especially during warmer months or cyclones seasons, from November to April.
The Minister added, to strengthen its efforts to combat Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, the Ministry of Fisheries has established 24 fisheries service centres across the country.
"These centres supply ice to fishers to preserve fish, maintain freshness, and prevent the release of enzymes from fish, which speeds up the fish's spoilage rate and causes fish poisoning."
Additionally, the Minister stressed that the Ministry's Advisory Divisions, serving in the four divisions continue to provide post-harvest training to licensed fishers on how to maintain seafood freshness and quality.
"The training includes the proper use of ice and adequate hygiene during harvesting, processing, distribution, and marketing of the fish product."
The Minister also commended the tremendous support the Government of Japan have provided through the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation in installing and monitoring ice machines in the 24 stations, including ongoing training and capacity building of our Technical Services staff in operating and servicing the machines.