SUVA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sea cucumbers have become an important source of income for the locals, and their exports are considered one of the oldest trades in Fiji, said the country's Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu.

In his ministerial statement in parliament on Thursday, Ravu said the trading of sea cucumbers is currently a multimillion-dollar industry in Fiji, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation news website.

"The lifting of the ban has allowed the harvest and export for this period and served its purpose with some 18 to 20 million Fijian dollars (about 8 to 8.9 million U.S. dollars) direct benefit payout to the harvesting communities and individuals," he said.

According to the minister, a total volume of 140,000 metric tons of sea cucumbers was exported during the opening in 2022-2023, with an expected value of 4.9 million dollars.

During the current opening period, the estimated volume recorded by the ministry is 42,000 metric tons with a value of 1.8 million dollars, and more shipments are expected to be received in the next month of opening, Ravu added.

The government lifted a six-month ban aimed at protecting fisheries and allowing prenatal repopulations in July last year, and the closure will be at the end of this year. Enditem

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