More than three months have elapsed since the fishing ban was placed on the villages in the Safata district because of diesel contamination from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui.

The ban is in place to date. Fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities are prohibited.

The village mayor of Tafitoala, Taloaileono Vasasou, has confirmed with Samoa Observer that the authority has not spoken about the ban since its first consultation in October last year. 

He said they are still waiting for them to advise them on when they could start fishing again. For this village, fishing is their livelihood. 

"There is still no word from them as of today. We are still banned from going fishing. And yes, our livelihoods are greatly affected because most families depend on fishing for income. Hopefully, we will hear from them this month or next," he said.

Vasasou said most families have become dependent on their relatives abroad or those in the urban centres. He said the festive season was as festive as they would have wished for.

He added families are concerned about the start of the school year. He also added that there has been no word on relief packages from the government or compensation from the New Zealand government.

Last week, a New Zealand-based salvage company removed over 100,000 litres of diesel from the Manawanui leaving several thousands yet to be cleared. The process to clear all the fuel may take more than a month and until then villages impacted by the contamination and fishing ban continue to suffer.

Testing by authorities revealed the presence of diesel in the sea around at least nine villages on the coast. Fish and other marine life were the main sources of food and income for these villages.

Late December, the Minister for Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va'ai, officially declared a prohibited area around the site where the HMNZS Manawanui sank as salvors began fuel extraction operations.This decision was made under Section 177 of the Samoa Shipping Act 1998.

In the notice, Minister Olo Fiti Va'ai emphasised the gravity of the situation: “No person, vessels, or aircraft (manned or unmanned) are allowed to be present on or above the sea (less than 500ft above Sea level) within the two-kilometre radius of the HMNZS Manawanui.” 

The restricted area extends outside the reef limits surrounding the wreckage, ensuring a comprehensive safety buffer zone during the operation.

The Minister outlined the rationale for the prohibition: “In assessing the potential danger to life, property, and the environment, and pursuant to Section 177 of the Samoa Shipping Act 1998, I, Olo Fiti Va'ai, Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure hereby declare the Safety Buffer Zone of 2km radius, outside of the reef limit, surrounding the wreckage of the New Zealand navy ship HMNZS Manawanui a ‘Prohibited Area’ while the Salvor’s Fuel Extraction Operation is in place.”

The prohibition will remain in effect until the completion of fuel extraction operations. The notice clarified that only authorized personnel are permitted within the restricted zone: “This prohibition is to ensure the safety of everyone and only authorized personnel are allowed in this Prohibited Area.”