The Ministry of Fisheries has extended the period allowing the harvest and trade of sea cucumbers, commonly known as beche-de-mer, until 31 January 2027.

The extension, made under the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014, means harvesting and processing can continue from 1 August 2026 through to the end of January next year.

However, the Ministry has maintained restrictions on several protected species listed under CITES Appendix II. These include Black teatfish, White teatfish, Golden sandfish, Amber fish, Sandfish and Prickly redfish, which remain prohibited from harvest and export.

The Ministry has also reminded fishers that anyone harvesting, landing, selling, dealing in or possessing sea cucumbers must hold a valid fishing licence issued under the Fisheries Act 1941.

Only free diving and gleaning methods are permitted, while the use of underwater breathing apparatus and hooker diving remains banned.

All harvested sea cucumbers must be brought to designated landing sites approved by the Ministry. Licensed companies will have six months to buy, process and export the products through HACCP-certified facilities, with exports ending after 31 January 2027.

Approved exporters are also required to obtain stock through authorised agents or workers at designated landing sites rather than accepting catches directly from individual fishers at processing facilities.

The Ministry has warned that anyone found breaching these conditions, including handling prohibited or undersized species, will face penalties.