VAVAʻU, Tonga – Authorities have seized illegally processed sea cucumbers in Vavaʻu amid reports that the Tongan government is considering extending a ban on harvesting the protected species.
Photos taken in Vavaʻu and obtained by Kaniva News show what appears to be a business buying and processing sea cucumbers, despite a nationwide prohibition on their fishing.
Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota documented the confiscated sea slugs, which Fisheries Officers took from an illegal operation.
He told Kaniva News that about two accused face court proceedings for illegal sea cucumber harvesting and trading.
The discovery follows an investigation by the Hōleva town officer after a cooler filled with rotting sea cucumbers was found abandoned last month.
This comes as the Tongan government weighs extending a harvesting ban to allow depleted sea cucumber populations to recover.
The ban has existed since the 2010s, with the latest extension in 2022.
Fisheries Ministry CEO Dr Sione Matoto recently stated that lifting the ban remains uncertain, citing a recent survey. He confirmed that harvesting is still prohibited.
Sea cucumbers, a delicacy in Asian markets, have been overfished in Tongan waters, prompting strict regulations.
Concerns over unsafe diving practices, including fatalities linked to scuba and hookah equipment, led to a ban on artificial breathing devices for harvesting.
Under Tongan law, possessing sea cucumbers on a boat with such equipment is a criminal offence.
The government’s continued suspension aims to restore stocks, but enforcement remains challenging as illegal operations persist.
Authorities have yet to comment on potential penalties for those involved in the latest case.
