The beche-de-mer operators in Western Province and the general public are advised that the high value species group has been exceeded for the province and therefore the beche-de-mer fishery will close on 04th March 2005.

Licensed operators are required to DECLARE all the beche-de-mer products in their storage to the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) by 18th March 2005. Buyers in possession of beche-de-mer product are encouraged to do business with any licensed exporter in Daru by 14th March 2005, as approval for any inter-provincial transfers will only be granted.

Any licensed operator who intends to hold any beche-de-mer product during the closure may do so, but must first obtain an approval letter from the Managing Director of NFA.

Harvesting and buying of bech-de-mer during the closure is illegal and any offender will be prosecuted accordingly.

For further enquiry please contact: Manager, Sedentary Fishery by phone on 309 0444, fax 320 2061 or email: ppolon@fisheries.gov.pg

SYLVESTER POKAJAM
Acting Managing Director