The Department of Fisheries is stepping up its monitoring and inspection effort on sea cucumber harvesting operations.
As the end of fishing season draws near on 31st December 2015, fishing pressure has intensified as operators move to increase their activities.
The sea cucumber fishery management plan sets out framework for the conduct of harvest in an open season but this plan was not fully implemented. Pressure from interested local investors to open up for more licenses contributed to derailing full implementation of the plan.
The set license quota limit was not followed, recommended products prices was not used, quota by area was not implemented as it is impossible for Fisheries Department to produce TACs in a short time.
Presence of officers at all sites has been a challenge as more communities are fishing at the same time. Fisheries observers were mobilized in areas in Malekula, Santo and Malo, Pentecost, Efate and Ambrym but they are not able to be in every areas at one time. Complaints have been received by communities of poaching in protected areas and illegal harvesting practices on some islands.
Harvesting of sea cucumber is reserved for resource owners only; they do not require a license to harvest resources from their reefs. All the seventeen licenses issued for the four months open season are held by Ni-Vanuatu nationals. Processing License is charged to buyers for buying and process of products to dried stage, and exporting license for exporting of processed products to overseas market. The split in license is to ensure efficient monitoring of the activities of license holders.
Foreign investors are not permitted to hold a license; however there is a gap in the joint partnership arrangement that allowed some foreign investors to partner with local Ni-Vanuatu interests. This has seen several foreign nationals moving around with license holders.
Two other licenses have been suspended while investigation is being conducted on alleged infringements. In addition on the spot fines have been issued to some operators in Vila and Santo. Department is also working with respective chiefs to investigate reports of infringements.
The Department is advising all licenses holders that it will not give any operator any chance. Sea cucumber belongs to the people of Vanuatu and illegal harvesting practices will not be tolerated. Fisheries Department is advising all community leaders to work together when allowing sea cucumber buyers into their reefs and to seek advice from Fisheries Department.