Advice to fishermen using palm fronds

The Department for Plant Health has advised fishermen to immediately treat palm trees when cutting fronds for fishing.

Hundreds are traditionally laid onto the water to create shelters (kannizzati) that attract dolphin fish (lampuki).

But following the recent spread of the red palm weevil, the department has recommended the treatment of wood with insecticide and the application of a filler because the insect is attracted to fresh wounds in the tree, where they deposit their eggs. This must be repeated for three consecutive times to best protect the trees.

Moreover, fronds should be cut as short as possible to minimise infective areas, which are generally concentrated at the base of the fronds.

The department also said fronds should be collected from a common site where the cutting is controlled, such as the Environmental Landscapes Consortium Limited and the Afforestation Section.

The pest is a palm tree borer capable of killing trees within a short period of time and able to fly long distances.

However, the department is adamant that the infestation can be controlled if everyone plays their part.

For more information call 2339 7100.