Honiara, May 8, 2025 — Weeks after lifting a ban on the harvesting and trade of beche-de-mer, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources today released prices for local sales and export prices for beche-de-mer products.
Beche-de-mer harvesting was banned for more than two years to protect stocks of the endangered sea cucumber. When the ban proved ineffective in controlling trade, the government opted for a sustainable management approach. Its decision to lift the ban followed careful consideration of environmental and economic factors, with an emphasis on restoring the balance between industry growth and management, marine conservation, and sustainable use.
MFMR Permanent Secretary Dr Christain Ramofafia said, “The pricing structure we have set will support the sustainable harvesting of beche-de-mer while also ensuring that local fishermen and suppliers are adequately compensated for their products, whether for local consumption or export.”
