The Cabinet has announced the decision to lift the ban on the harvesting and trade of bêche-de-mer, implementing strict regulations to ensure sustainability. The harvesting of approved species will commence for a designated four-month period, running from February 1, 2026, to May 30, 2026. Following this, licensed traders will have an additional two months, until July 30, 2026, to process and export their stock.
The Ministry of Fisheries will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of harvesting, processing, and exports to ensure that activities adhere to sustainability rules and to prevent potential over-exploitation of marine resources. This controlled reopening aims not only to revitalize coastal economies but also to protect and preserve Fiji’s marine resources for coming generations.
The government’s approach reflects a commitment to balancing economic needs with environmental stewardship, ensuring that both local communities and natural ecosystems benefit from this initiative. This careful management could pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Fiji’s fisheries sector.
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