The ban on fishing or possession of beche-de-mer or sea cucumber in Solomon Islands has been lifted.

The announcement, effective on Tuesday 22 April 2025, was made by Director of Fisheries.

The Revocation of Prohibited Activities (Fishing or Possession of Beche-de-mer) Order 2025 was issued under  section 22(2) of the Fisheries Management Act 2015. 

The previous prohibition order restricted the harvesting, in possession of, landing, buying, selling, receiving and export of beche-de-mer to ensure recovering of sea cucumber stocks.  

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources confirmed that the lifting of the ban is based on humanitarian grounds and the need to support the livelihoods of rural communities who rely on the beche-de-mer fishery as a critical source of income. 

Following endorsement by the Cabinet last week, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is working on a timeframe for beche-de-mer harvesting to resume.  

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that this valuable resource is sustainably harvested and managed for the long-term benefit of our communities and economy, “said the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. 

The Ministry urges all fishers and exporters to comply with the licensing requirements, management measures, and export controls that are still in place to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

– PACNEWS