by Ronald Toito’ona
Outspoken Solomon Islands Environmental Activist, Lawrence Makili has issued a strong call for the Government to take immediate and decisive action against the ongoing illegal harvesting of bêche-de-mer (sea cucumber) in Ontong Java, Malaita Province.
Makili’s call was made while attending the three-day USAID OurFish OurFuture-Melanesia Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue last week in Honiara, hosted by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
The Dialogue aimed to gather insights for the review of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Roadmap for sustainable inshore fisheries, focusing on sharing best practices, developing policies, building a Community of Practice, and engaging stakeholders to enhance community-level sea cucumber management.
The Ontong Java Atoll is a remote part of the Malaita Outer Islands, surrounded by a coral reef. It is a low-lying atoll island, only about 13 meters above sea level, making it vulnerable to sea level rise and climate change.
Low-lying Ontong Java Atol which is already sewerely affected by Climate Change. Credits: Iggy Pacanowski.
Despite these challenges, the atoll is rich in marine life, particularly sea cucumbers, which have become the main source of income for the locals, surpassing traditional cash crops like fish and copra.
Sea cucumbers bring in quick, significant cash, making them an important resource for the community.
The government controls the sea cucumber harvest period, and when it opens, villagers quickly earn a lot of money.
Selling the dried sea cucumbers, mostly to Asian buyers, brings essential cash into the communities, boosting the local economy.
However, many people don’t save or plan for the future, leading to poor financial management, and the money leaves the community as quickly as it arrives.
Besides, Makili, a native of Ontong Java said his home island has always been in the spotlight, when it comes to bêche-de-mer harvesting in the Solomon Islands.”
Illegal bêche-de-mer harvesting continues
Makili said it is very concerning and worrying to see the government doing nothing in addressing the issue.
The last bêche-de-mer harvest period was from 1 September 2021 to 1 September 2022.
The main means of transporattion and for fishing activities in Malaita Outer Islands (Ontong Java). Credits: Iggy Pacanowski.
“As I speak, my people in Ontong Java are continuing to harvest illegally, despite the nationwide ban,” Makili stated.
“The government has done nothing for us. It’s a total failure.
“Past governments have also failed to look at what is going on as well,” he added.
He revealed that illegal harvesting persisted because there are Asian buyers present at Ontong Java.
He claimed that reports about this illegal activity have been made to the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources (MFMR), but no action has been taken.
“We had conversations with the ministry regarding the issue, but they kept asking who the Asian buyers are, without even investigating.”
The environmental activist has also raised concerns that the ongoing bêche-de-mer controversy in Ontong Java may be rooted in what he describes as “political economy.”
“This is why bêche-de-mer is being illegally harvested, brought to Honiara, and sold to buyers who continue to operate despite the ban.
“The trade persists because of the political economy, which involves individuals at the highest levels.”
Makili said he hoped the recent USAID OurFish OurFuture-Melanesia Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue in Honiara will lead to urgent action from the authorities.
Solomon Islands Environmental Activist, Lawrence Makili.
He stressed that the technical discussions during the dialogue, backed by extensive research and references, highlighted recommendations that are already available and ready for implementation.
He urged authorities to seriously consider the recommendations and take immediate steps to address the issue, adding that no concrete action have been taken so far, despite the extensive work already completed.
Government supports sustainable management of bêche-de-mer
Speaking at the dialogue, Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources (MFMR), Nestor Ghiro highlighted the ministry’s strong commitment to sustainable management of sea cucumber.
He detailed the government’s initiatives to combat overexploitation and restore depleted stocks through various programs.
“The Solomon Islands Government is deeply committed to the sustainable management of our marine resources,” Ghiro said.
“Our sea cucumber fisheries, a valuable asset to our economy and marine biodiversity, have faced challenges due to overexploitation,” he added.
“We have implemented several key initiatives, including the restocking of sea cucumbers and the development of a comprehensive sea cucumber fishery management policy.”
Fisheries Minister, Nestor Ghiro. Photo: Myron Williams/OFOF
The Minister also emphasized the importance of data collection, monitoring systems, and community engagement in ensuring the success of these efforts.
He also highlighted the role of regional collaboration and the need for inclusive policies that involve women and youth in decision-making processes.
The Ontong Java Fisheries Authority vision
Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), proposed an innovative approach to managing Ontong Java’s sea cucumber fishery.
He emphasized the importance of developing a robust business model that empowers resource owners and ensures long-term sustainability, similar as the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) which was initiated by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) under his leadership.
“The success of the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) in the tuna fishery shows the importance of creating a mechanism that regulates fishing effort while maximizing economic returns for resource owners.
“For Ontong Java, we need to develop a similar model for sea cucumber management that empowers local communities and integrates sustainable practices,” Aqorau stated.
He suggested the establishment of an Ontong Java Fisheries Authority, a body corporate owned and operated by the people of Ontong Java.
“This entity would manage the fishery independently, ensuring that all decisions prioritize the interests of the local community.
“The challenge is to design an institutional system that controls the supply chain and maximizes benefits for resource owners.
“Emerging technologies like blockchain for traceability and remote sensing for habitat mapping could play a significant role in achieving this,” Aqorau added.
Professor Aqorau’s vision includes decentralizing fisheries management to empower Ontong Java’s people, providing them with the autonomy to manage and trade their sea cucumber resources sustainably and profitably.
Fisheries Minister Nestor Ghiro and SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Transform Aqorau during the Melanesia Sea Cucumber Dialogue in Honiara. Photo: Myron Williams/OFOF
Environmental activist Makili expressed his support to Professor Aqorau’s recommendation, stating that such measures would really help mitigate the issue.
“Professor Aqorau’s suggestions should have been enshrined in our country’s laws to ensure the proper management of bêche-de-mer resources, particularly in Ontong Java,” Makili added.
He urged authorities to seriously consider the recommendations during the dialogue and explore ways to assist the people of Ontong Java in sustainably managing their bêche-de-mer resources.
“It is crucial to develop a mechanism that empowers resource owners and enforces strict laws, allowing them to govern their resources effectively and at the same time maximize the benefits,” he added.
Makili expressed satisfaction with Professor Aqorau’s remarks and hope the dialogue participants, particularly the stakeholders, recognize the importance of addressing the unregulated exploitation of bêche-de-mer in the Solomon Islands.