Beche-de-mer fishery reopening earns communities $4.1 million

The reopening of Fiji's beche-de-mer fishery has proven to be a significant economic boon, generating an estimated $4.1 million for resource-owning communities in just a few months. Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu announced that the fishery has delivered direct income to villages across the country since its reopening on February 1 this year.

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The fishery has delivered direct income to villages since reopening on 1 February this year.

The Eastern Division recorded the highest earnings, bringing in $1.3 million. The Western Division followed with $1.1 million, the Northern Division with $1 million, and the Central Division with $500,000. Between March and May alone, Fiji exported 56.636 metric tonnes of beche-de-mer, valued at approximately $2.7 million.

Minister Bainivalu highlighted that the industry is creating diverse income opportunities for various groups, including fishers, women, youth, boat owners, and rural families. Notably, indigenous participation in the sector is growing, with two of the eleven approved exporters being iTaukei-owned companies. This influx of income is particularly crucial for maritime communities grappling with escalating fuel and transportation costs.

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The industry is creating income opportunities across the country for fishers, women, youth, boat owners and rural families.

The revenue generated from the beche-de-mer fishery is directly benefiting villages, assisting families in meeting their daily expenses for essentials like food, fuel, and education. The government remains committed to ensuring that Fiji's marine resources continue to provide substantial benefits to local communities while simultaneously supporting livelihoods and safeguarding these resources for future generations.

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The reopening of the fishery is putting money directly into villages and helping families meet everyday expenses, including food, fuel and education.