AUSTRALIAN Marine researcher John Fairfax said Solomon Islanders are suffering from fish depletion therefore something needs to be done.
“Traditionally, people could previously go to an island and live on fish.
“Now with fish numbers devastated, it takes three months for a garden to grow alternative food. Then a cyclone can wipe that out,” Mr Fairfax said.
The Australian underwater professional who has been staying in the Solomon Islands has been vocal about fish depletion and has raised the issue repeatedly in the media.
“Flood victims in Honiara and other Solomon Islands people impacted by collapse of the traditional seafood economy, need real aid.
“AusAid and Australian treasurer Hockey should become informed of new real life dire circumstances and critical need for the forthcoming G20 economic summit in Brisbane to debate stimulus for seafood devastated island economies.
“Especially, Island rural cash economies need cash stimulus.
“Fly in fly out overseas infrastructure work projects would help.
“There are serious land and food shortages.
“Yesterday, in the Western Solomons, a canoe returned from a 5 hour SBD$600 dollar fuel cost trip, to get reject net boat fish for the lucky few people who could contribute for the imported fuel.”
“Flood victims do not have canoe or engine or fuel or cash to buy food.
“Island people should be thriving consumers of Australian and world produce, instead of being victims of environment and economic catastrophe. Like more unrest and war.”