The fishing ban placed on villages in the Safata district following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui in October has been eased bringing some relief to people whose livelihoods depend on fishing.

The restriction was placed after diesel was found in samples collected by the government from the villages next to the site where the ship had sunk. Villagers had also found that the fish they had caught was covered in fuel.

Tafitoala representative, Taloaileono Vasasou confirmed with this newspaper that the area was given the green light to use fish in their oceans again.

"We haven't received any word to lift the ban restrictions yet, it's only from where it started from Lefaga up to Vaie'e. Some parts of Vaie'e to Maninoa are still being restricted. So, Vaiee, Fusi, Fausaga, Tafitoala, Mulivai, and Maninoa are the only areas still being banned," he said.

"We are still waiting for whether we will have another meeting or consultation to discuss further actions. 

"The only time we get any word on the matter is when we are called in for meetings then we would know what the government has decided or what the NZ Navy is doing. But there is still no certain response as of today of when the restrictions for our village will be lifted."

Recovered fuel was offloaded at the Apia wharf which marked the completion of the first removal cycle.

 According to the NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown said that the barge is expected to make several visits to Apia to offload tanktainers between now until the fuel removal is done. 

The prohibited area of 2km around Manawanui remains in place as a safety buffer zone to ensure safety while the fuel removal phase is underway. 

“The weather, particularly at this time of year, has and will influence the fuel and other pollutants removal process,” Brown said.

“This week the salvors were able to move the barge into the Port of Apia to offload tanktainers holding recovered fuel and other pollutants.

“Empty tanktainers were loaded on the barge before it was towed back above Manawanui in preparation for the next cycle of fuel removal,” he said.

The barge was expected to make a number of visits back to Apia to offload tanktainers between now and the end of the fuel removal phase.

Offloaded tanktainers were being securely stored at the port before the fuel and other pollutants are transferred for processing and storage, while disposal processes were worked through, Defence Force said.