Beche-de-mer Ban to Be Reinstated After May 31

Beche-de-mer Ban to Be Reinstated After May 31

The Government will reinstate the ban on beche-de-mer at the end of this month while warning that anyone harvesting the marine resource after May 31st is regarded illegal.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon. Alfred Ghiro has confirmed this last week to comply with a Cabinet decision to allow harvesting only for a three- month period.

"Harvesting of beche-de-mer would close at the end of this month and anyone harvesting after that time would be regarded as illegal."

Minister Ghiro clarified that the ministry could not extend the harvest period because only Cabinet had the right to extend the timeframe for harvesting.

The Minister has acknowledged receiving numerous requests for government to extend the time frame to harvest beche-de-mer.

"Any decision to extend or impose the ban could only be made by the Cabinet," Mr Ghiro said.

As the closing date draws closer, all license holders and buyers are advised to take note that harvesting, buying and export will cease after May 31st.

ENDS

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