Fiji’s annual seasonal fishing ban on Grouper (Kawakawa) and Coral Trout (Donu) is now in effect, running from June 1 to September 30, 2025.

The Ministry of Fisheries is urging fishers, vendors, and exporters to strictly observe the four-month restriction, which prohibits the harvesting, selling, transport, and possession of the two species during their peak breeding season.

Introduced in 2019, the ban is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect Fiji’s marine biodiversity by allowing these prized reef fish to spawn undisturbed.

Kawakawa and Donu are particularly at risk during this period due to their tendency to gather in large numbers, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing.

Ministry officials say the long-term goal is to boost fish populations, improve future catches, and protect livelihoods that depend on a healthy ocean.

They emphasize that community cooperation is essential to the success of the initiative, and awareness programs will continue to roll out to ensure public support and compliance.

The Ministry encourages restaurant owners, market vendors, and the public to play their part by refusing to buy or sell the protected species during the ban.