The Minister of Fisheries, Alitia Bainivalu, has clarified that her ministry lacks the legal authority to regulate the pricing of beche-de-mer, commonly known as sea cucumbers. This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding the payments fishermen receive for their catch. According to Bainivalu, price control is not stipulated within the Fisheries Act, which limits the ministry’s ability to intervene in the pricing structure.
While the ministry cannot set prices, Bainivalu assured that there are transparency measures in place within the buying process. Companies authorized to purchase, process, and export beche-de-mer are obligated to submit their proposed buying prices to the ministry during the approval process. “They have submitted to us a list of prices that they would buy from the fishermen. We are hoping that these companies are buying at that price from the fishermen,” she noted.
To enhance oversight and ensure compliance, approved buyers are required to operate from designated fisheries stations where ministry officers can monitor activities, including checking licenses, verifying the species landed, and ensuring adherence to the proposed pricing. When questioned about specific pricing details, Bainivalu indicated that such information falls under the jurisdiction of the committee overseeing sea cucumber operations.
This approach aims to maintain a level of transparency and accountability in the sea cucumber industry, which is crucial for sustaining both the ecological balance and the livelihoods of fishermen. As the demand for beche-de-mer continues, the Ministry of Fisheries remains focused on monitoring practices to protect and support local fishermen while fostering a fair trading environment.