Gov't extends sea cucumber harvesting period

Gov't extends sea cucumber harvesting period on strict conditions

The Government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has extended the harvesting period for sea cucumber (bech-de-mer) for an additional month on strict conditions.

In a notice issued to the General Public, Resources Owners and Licensed Exporters of Beche-der-mer and sea cucumber fishers through the country yesterday, Director of Fisheries James Teri said the Minister of Fisheries has extended the current harvesting period for the sea cucumber fishery by Regulation for one additional month.

This means the harvesting period has been extended for the whole of April and will end on the 1 st of May 2015. During this period, harvesting can be made only through hand picking, free diving and wading and during day light hours.

“Any other methods of harvesting are hereby prohibited under the Solomon Islands National Sea Cucumber Fishery Management and Development Plan,”

Mr Teri warned. Local communities have been advised to harvest sea cucumber stock responsibly.

“Take note that size limit restriction is enforced for all species at the export gate while under-sized products will be confiscated and exporters penalized,” Mr Teri said.

All current export license holders are also advised that application for extension of export license for beche-der-mer products can be obtained from the Ministry of Fisheries.

Processing of License applications must be made to respective Provincial Governments, with processing to be permitted only by respective Provincial Authorities.

ENDS

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