The reopening of Fiji’s sea cucumber fishery has generated an estimated $4.1 million in earnings for rural and maritime communities since February this year, Parliament heard this morning.
Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu said the Ministry approved 11 companies to purchase and export sea cucumber products following the lifting of the seasonal ban on February 1.
She said the approvals were granted under the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014 and licensing requirements set by the Ministry.
The Minister said eight of the approved companies were iTaukei-owned, reflecting growing indigenous participation in the commercial fisheries sector.
“Purchasing activities have generated direct income opportunities for rural and maritime communities, particularly for fishers, women and youths engaged in harvesting, processing, drying and transportation of sea cucumber products,” she said.
According to Bainivalu, the Eastern Division recorded the highest earnings at approximately $1.3 million from purchasing activities at landing sites.
“This is followed by the Western Division, which collected $1.1 million, Northern Division collected $1 million, and the least was from the Central Division, which collected half a million,” she said.
She said export activity between March and May 2026 also showed strong performance, with seven of the 11 approved exporters issued permits for shipments from Suva and Lautoka.
The exports totalled 56.65 metric tonnes with an estimated value of $2.7 million.
Bainivalu said the reopening of the fishery was continuing to deliver “tangible socioeconomic benefits” to resource-owning communities while contributing to national export earnings.
She said the Ministry was continuing to monitor harvesting, purchasing and export operations to ensure compliance with licensing conditions, species regulations, size limits and sustainable harvesting practices.
