Only 225 whales’ teeth (tabua) are allowed to be taken out of Fiji annually, says the Ministry of Environment.
Acting director of Environment Senimili Baleicakau said a permit was required for anyone who wished to take whales’ teeth out of the country.
Ms Baleicakau said these teeth were from sperm whales, which were an endemic species.
She said any person was allowed to export one whale’s tooth annually.
“We have to be considerate of others,” said Ms Baleicakau, adding the Endangered and Protection Species Act governed the process.
“Our officers presented on the species endemic to Fiji during the workshop,” she said.
“It’s very important in any sector that we preserve our natural resources.
“Even though the environmental impact assessment process does not apply to fishing, our concern is in regard to the protection of Fiji’s natural resources.”
She said the sole mandate of the department was to safeguard Fiji’s natural resources through conservation and protection programs.
