Sea cucumber harvest extended until January

Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries has extended the lifting of the ban on sea cucumber harvesting and trade, allowing licensed operators to continue their activities until January 31, 2027. This extension, enacted under the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014, commenced on August 1, 2026, and pertains to specific, permitted sea cucumber species.

The Ministry has reiterated that certain protected species, listed under CITES Appendix II, are strictly prohibited from harvest. These include Black teatfish, White teatfish, Golden sandfish, Amber fish, Sandfish, and Prickly redfish. The regulations emphasize that only licensed operators are authorized to harvest, land, sell, or possess sea cucumbers. Harvesting is limited to free diving and gleaning methods, with the use of underwater breathing apparatus and hookah diving remaining forbidden.

All sea cucumber catches must be brought to designated landing sites. Approved exporters will then have a six-month window to purchase, process, and export these products, provided they utilize HACCP-certified facilities. The Ministry has issued a stern warning, stating that any individual or entity found to be breaching these conditions, or dealing in banned or undersized species, will face penalties.