Eratap Village has placed a tabu on its coastal waters to stop overfishing and protect marine life.

The measure is meant to allow fish and shellfish to reproduce so that the community can harvest these resources in the future.

This week, people and leaders of Eratap came together to follow the path of other villages around the country after seeing the need to control fishing activities taking place in their waters.

Eratap is taking strong steps to protect its marine areas. A fishing ban has been declared from 1 January until December 2027.

The ban covers the lagoons around Eratap, from Eratap Beach Resort to Elakles, Big Castaway Island, and Shark Bay. Fishing and diving are not allowed in these areas.

The initiative has full support from the community, chiefs, two councillors, the Minister for Fisheries Norris Jack Kalmet, former MP Samuel Kalpoilep, and other community leaders.

Leaders said anyone who breaks the ban will face strict penalties: one pig, 20,000 Vatu, and one mat. If a person refuses to pay the fine, the disciplinary process may involve the police.

Chief Donals Kalsong explained that another reason for the ban is to ensure enough resources are available for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which Eratap will host in 2027.

“Another reason is that the chiefs at Eratap are ready to host the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church next year, 2027, which is the main reason why we want to ban some sea areas to make sure there are enough resources to feed the delegates who will come. That is why we have fines and penalties in place. Whoever does not follow these rules will face these penalties, and these decisions are important—they may go as far as involving the police.”

The fishing ban in Eratap is a strong example of how communities in Vanuatu are taking action to protect coastal waters and marine resources for the future of their children.