SUVA, Fiji -- The following statement was issued by the Ministry of Defense, National Security and Immigration:
"The Republic of Fiji takes very seriously the protection of its pristine environment, specifically with regard to the sustainable preservation of its waters and fisheries.
Government is currently working with local and international conservation organizations and the fishing industry, which are assisting the Fijian Department of Fisheries with monitoring, education, and awareness. Together with these partners, Fiji is committed to sustainable development policies that aim to protect the country's marine resources, while taking into account the socio-economic needs of Fijian citizens, in order to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Radical international groups, such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, any similar organization or any other related party, which seek to sensationalist esoteric fishing practices, including on so-called "reality television," do so for purposes of self-promotion at the expense of disrupting legitimate conservation work. These groups are not welcome in Fiji and will not be tolerated by Government."
Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of UnderwaterTimes.com, its staff or its advertisers.
Reader Comments
8 people have commented so far.These fishing boats should carry weapons to protect themself from these Pirates who call themself Sea Shepherd - A Captain on the high seas can use whatever "FORCE" is necessary to protect his ship from these lawless Pirates-
comment# 1 - Jason · Tampa USA · Jul 1, 2012 @ 7:02am
Legitimate fisheries committing unspeakable acts always hide by pointing fingers at groups that act on behalf of the defenseless marine life which many scientists and academics believe are the linch pin to keeping the oceans viable. Many countries within their borders have fisheries protections but who is the fisheries protector when there is no border?
comment# 2 - Randle Snell · Livoniad States, Unite · Jul 1, 2012 @ 7:52am
I was planning to dive in Fiji, however perhaps I'll think again if they view Sea Shepherd as unwelcome extremists yet continue to tolerate long linners raping their seas of sharks and tuna. Got your priorities all wrong Fiji, shame on you !
comment# 3 - Paul · UK · Jul 1, 2012 @ 12:41pm
What do you expect from a nation run by a Dictator? Oh... you're from the USA. That explains it. Perhaps you should get out on the ocean with a gun and see how well you can protect fishery stocks.
comment# 4 - Damien · NZ · Jul 1, 2012 @ 3:01pm
There being two sides to every story , and this particular story is very controversial the tactics used by the conservation groups are very dangerous and to my opinion out rite stupid they have no rite to try and board these "research" ships and not expect reprisal the "research" ships have every right to use force to stop these tactics unfortunately they use a thin veneer of legitimacy called research to get away with what we all know is whaling for profit a small amount of the animal is used for research and the rest is sold for PROFIT! On the other hand the conservation groups are limited in what they can do but the tactics they use are dangerous. unfortunately they don't have a lot options and sooner or later someone is going to get hurt or killed. what they do for the animals and environment is commendable and selfless but as i said how they go about it is wrong and dangerous. What we as individuals need to do is raise our voices and let our government know we don't agree with these policies and to make them put more economic and political pressure on these countries that still use these animals as "research" when study shows these animals are intelligent if not thinking beings and to hunt them because they are a delicacy is disgusting and reprehensible so please use your voice to help these beautiful animals and try to stop this in a sane and intelligent manor.
comment# 5 - Joesph Santos · Woonsocket , RI , USA · Jul 1, 2012 @ 4:54pm
One day, a trigger happy whaler will be operating that huge explosive tipped harpoon, then as Paul Watson loves to say, hoka hey; it's a good day to die.
comment# 6 - Theo · NYC · Jul 6, 2012 @ 2:01am
The fact of the matter is that even the Japanese government has said, that at current rates of capture, the whales will all but be extinct in less than 25 years, and they are the ones that kill the most whales of any nation on this planet. In other words, they don't care. Anyone in here that doesn't care about this issue should be killed off too. Maybe it will start to matter to you cocksuckers when the world's governments start harvesting people for food.
comment# 7 - Electricguru · USA · Jul 8, 2012 @ 7:48pm
its all about the reefs people. it doesn't matter about stopping harvesting or much of anything else. what does matter is more healthy reefs. !! the better our reef system the healthier the fish life in the oceans will be. with the exception of whales, fish are affected more by the decline in reef health.
comment# 8 - mea · USA · Aug 9, 2012 @ 3:00am