SUVA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Fiji plans to tackle the long-standing issue of abandoned and decaying vessels cluttering Suva Harbour.

The Environment Ministry will start the removal process within the next five to six months to avoid the harbor becoming a shipping graveyard, which causes extensive damage to Fiji's marine environment, local media reported on Wednesday.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said they have secured significant financial commitments to tackle the issue, with around 440,000 U.S. dollars to be provided over the next 12 months.

"We must secure Suva Harbour's rightful place in a vibrant, prosperous and unspoiled maritime hub, a legacy of care and responsibility that future generations will inherit with pride," the minister said.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will fund a local consultant to assess the current inventory of submerged and partially submerged vessels.