BY JOY OFASIA
THE Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable sea cucumber management, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Speaking at the Melanesia Sea Cucumber Dialogue, Minister Nestor Giro emphasized the importance of sea cucumber fisheries to the economy and marine biodiversity, which have been challenged by overexploitation.
Key initiatives include:
🔹 Restocking Programs: Transferring hatchery-raised juvenile sea cucumbers to open reefs to help replenish depleted stocks and gather vital data for large-scale management.
🔹 New Fishery Management Policy: A comprehensive plan to be implemented soon, introducing controlled harvest seasons and improving data collection and monitoring.
Minister Giro highlighted the importance of collaboration with local communities, stakeholders, and regional partners. “By sharing data, information, and best practices, we can empower each other to manage sea cucumber fisheries at the community level effectively,” he stated.
Inclusiveness is key, with a focus on involving women and youth in discussions and decision-making processes to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations. The Minister also expressed gratitude to partners like USAID, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), and WWF for their support in making this dialogue possible.
The 3-day dialogue includes representatives from Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands and concludes this Friday. Let’s work together to protect and restore our sea cucumber stocks for the benefit of our nations and the Melanesian region.