BDM season 2025 winds down

The National Fisheries Authority [NFA] has reminded all beche-de-mer fishermen, buyers, and exporters to strictly follow the approved dates for the 2025 season.

NFA officials were in Alotau this week, one of the country’s major beche-de-mer producing centres, to inform industry players about national rules as the season comes to an end.

NFA Manager for Sedentary Fisheries, Rickson Lis, said harvesting of beche-de-mer officially ended on December 31, 2025. Buying of products is allowed until Friday, January 16, while transportation of beche-de-mer products is permitted up to January 26.

Mr Lis said any processed beche-de-mer still kept in villages, islands, or fishing camps must be moved into approved storage facilities on or before January 26. Any movement after this date will be considered illegal and penalties will apply.

Exporting will continue for valid export licence holders until October 17, in line with the Beche-de-mer Management Plan.

Mr Lis warned that anyone operating outside these rules will face fines, licence cancellation, and confiscation of products. Surveillance and monitoring teams are already on the ground in participating provinces.

He said these measures are in place to protect the beche-de-mer industry and ensure it remains sustainable for communities now and for future generations.