Call to lift trade ban on beche-de-mer

OPPOSITION member of Parliament Ratu Tevita Navurelevu has called on Government to shift its focus towards the fisheries sector to address the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate of the Ministry of Fisheries Annual Report of 20162017, Mr Navurelevu said after thousands of Fijians lost their jobs in the tourism industry from the pandemic, the fisheries sector and, in particular, the lifting of the trade ban of beche-de-mer would be a viable option to help the country get back on its feet.

“I join my colleagues to plead to Government to lift the ban on beche-de-mer, it is now four years since the ban was imposed and the beche-de-mer population would slowly have recovered as this is an important source of livelihood for the unemployed, considering the sustainability issues,” he said.

Mr Navurelevu said more emphasis should be placed on the existing research centres to improve the standards within the fisheries sector.

“It would provide better alternative sources of livelihood for the people, increase awareness and engagement with communities on the importance of conserving marine resources and having Marine-Protected Areas (MPAs).”

Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau

said the decision to lift the ban on beche-de-mer would depend on the ministry presenting a sustainable system of harvesting to ensure that future generations were looked after.

“The FijiFirst Government is ensuring the sustainability of natural resources and that is the reason for the delay in the harvest of sea cucumber,” he said.