PUBLIC WARNED TO RESPECT BECHE-DE-MER BAN
The
public has been warned again to respect the current bech-de mer (Sea Cucumber)
ban following the confiscation of more than 50 kilograms of dried beche-de mer
at a warehouse in Auki, Malaita Province.
A
combined raid by Compliance officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Police
on a warehouse at the Malaita Provincial capital, Auki has found more than 50
kilograms of dried beche-de-mer early this week.
The
raid was conducted following a tip off that a certain businessman at the
Malaita Provincial capital is engaged in buying beche-de-mer despite the ban.
Police
and fisheries officers raided the property and confiscated the beche-de-mer
products and also arrested the businessman.
Director
of Fisheries Mr. Edward Honiwala confirmed the raid saying that it should serve
as warning to others who are still involve in illegal harvesting of
beche-de-mer to stop or face the consequence.
“The
ban is still in place and those who engage in harvesting the product are doing
it illegally,” he said.
He
said those who continue to harvest of beche-de-mer despite of the ban are
stealing the resources of the country and the future generations.
“If
you know of someone in your village or community who is involved in illegal
harvesting of beche-de-mer, report him immediately to the police or fisheries
officers near you,” he said.
The
director stressed that the reason for the ban is to ensure beche-de-mer are
able to re-stock again.
Mr
Honiwala said his ministry is concerned that harvesting of beche-de-mer has
continued despite warnings and urged people to respect the law.
“I
want to appeal to the people to respect the ban and not to harvest beche-de-mer
during the ban period,” he said
ENDS///
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