Fijian chiefs from the northern province of Macuata have warned they will not allow seabed mining in the area.
The decision by the chiefs includes the province's natural resources management plan (NRM).
Head chief Ratu Wiliame Katonivere told the Fiji Times they would not allow seabed mining to take away their source of livelihood.
He said the chiefs also decided that no other mining activities would take place in the province.
Mr Katonivere said underwater mining was lethal to marine organisms.
The risks and harmful effects of seabed mining far outweighed the benefits of finding precious stones, oil or minerals, he added.
Macuata is home to a large portion of the Great Sea Reef which runs over 200km from Udu point to Bua and across the Vatuira Passage.
