Fiji to ban export of sea cucumber

Fisheries authorities in Fiji are seeking to impose a seasonal ban on beche-de-mer exports by the end of the month because the resource is on the verge of being wiped out.

Beche-de-mer or sea cucumber is considered a delicacy in China and top varieties can sell for more than $US2,000 dollars a kilo.

Fiji's new minister of Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau said he had already banned the use of scuba-diving gear for harvesting beche-de-mer but it had done little to slow exports.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/330119/fiji-to-ban-…