Rabaul land no longer fertile

LAND in Rabaul is no longer fertile because of the continuous ash fall, which is causing crops to produce low yields, thus reducing the people’s income.
The Rabaul district administration recognised this and has started a programme to help people turn to fishing.
On Monday, seven Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) were launched by Rabaul Open MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat at Kurakakaul.
Rabaul fisheries officer Eliaser Mutumut said the FADs deployed in the water attracted all kinds of marine life, including sharks and people were prohibited from diving in the vicinity of the device.
He added that no motor craft would be allowed to fish in FAD areas, except ordinary canoes.
The FADs were deployed a total cost of K130,000 with funds secured from the District Services Improvement plan.
Rabaul District Administrator Wilson Matava said authorities were emphasising on fisheries and tourism in a bid to improve the economy.