3 years Moratorium placed on Beche-de-mer harvest and Trade in PNG

The National Fisheries Authority has place another three year moratorium on the Beche-de-mer harvest and trade in Papua New Guinea. The last three year moratorium was started in 2010 and within that 3 year period, biological survey team from the National Fisheries Authority conducted annual monitoring surveys in 8 out of 14 Maritime Provinces of Papua New Guinea.

The results of those surveys show that there was quiet an increase in the density of some of the sea cucumber species, while some showed very low in density. However, densities of different species varied in differing locations in each province in the country. Those locations with high densities, nevertheless, were mostly dominated with juveniles. These juveniles give an affirmative domino effect in encouraging moratorium or periodic closures for effective management of marine resources in the country.

Within the 3 year moratorium more recruitment had been taking place, which resulted in more juveniles and given the extension of another 3 years, the juveniles will reach mature or adult sizes for further reproduction and replenishment to over fished locations.  The National Fisheries Authority has to be commended for its policies and management skills to manage the fisheries resources sustainably for one third of the country’s population that depends on marine resources.

Chalk Fish spawning - releasing eggs into the water column. 

Deep Water Redfish