The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) today announced that the order, Prohibited Activities (Fishing and Possession of Beche-de-mer) 2021, prohibiting the fishing or possession of beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) has officially been revoked, effective 22 April 2025.

It says, this revocation order , Revocation of Prohibited Activities (Fishing or Possession of Beche-de-mer) Order 2025 was issued by the Director of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

This is under section 22(2) of the Fisheries Management Act 2015, and with reference to section 36(a) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act (Cap. 85).

“The previous prohibition order restricted the harvesting, in possession of, landing, buying, selling, receiving and export of beche-de-mer to ensure recovery of sea cucumber stocks,” it said, in a statement.

The Ministry also confirmed that the lifting of the ban is based on humanitarian grounds and the need to support the livelihoods of rural communities who rely on the beche-de-mer fishery as a critical source of income.

Following endorsement by the Cabinet last week, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is working on a timeframe for beche-de-mer harvesting to resume.

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that this valuable resource is sustainably harvested and managed for the long-term benefit of our communities and economy,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry urges all fishers and exporters to comply with the licensing requirements, management measures, and export controls that are still in place to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry’s Director of Fisheries, Compliance and License Division.