The Ministry of Fisheries has implemented a temporary reprieve on the nationwide ban concerning the harvesting and trading of sea cucumbers, effective immediately under the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014. This decision aims to support local communities economically while ensuring sustainable practices in marine resource management.
The designated harvesting period will remain open until May 31, after which approved exporters will have two additional months, from June 1 to July 31, to process and ship beche-de-mer through HACCP-certified facilities. However, it is crucial to note that harvesting is confined to specific rotational areas as detailed in the official Gazette. Any harvesting outside these allocated zones or the designated timeframes will be considered an offense.
To engage in this activity, all participants must possess a valid fishing license in accordance with the Fisheries Act of 1941. Furthermore, only free diving and gleaning techniques are permitted; the use of underwater breathing equipment or hookah diving remains strictly prohibited to protect marine ecosystems.
All catches must be delivered to Ministry-approved landing sites, allowing exporters to purchase legal species that comply with size regulations through approved agents. Notably, direct purchases from individual fishers at factories are not allowed.
It’s important to highlight that this temporary opening does not apply to protected species, which are prohibited year-round. This includes the White Teat Fish (Sucuwalu), Black Teat Fish (Loaloa), Golden Sand Fish (Dairokula), Amber Fish, and Prickly Red Fish (Sucudrau), all of which are listed under CITES Appendix II for conservation.
These measures reflect a concerted effort to balance the economic needs of local communities with the imperative of sustainable management of Fiji’s valuable marine resources, promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience.
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