SUVA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries said Wednesday the ban on the harvesting of sea turtles will continue this year, extending the 10-year moratorium that expired at the beginning of this year.
The ministry said it will continue to prohibit the sale, possession and transportation of turtles.
Fiji's Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau said the ban will strengthen the conservation, management and protection of the turtles, adding that Fijian communities have come to realize and understand the importance of protecting turtles.
People who are caught harvesting turtles in Fiji can face a fine of 10,000 Fijian dollars (about 4,721 U.S. dollars) or 12 months imprisonment.
Turtles are the living fossils of the modern era according to Wildlife International. They first appeared about 215 million years ago, making them one of the oldest reptile groups.
The waters of Fiji boast five of the seven living species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley.
Turtles nest in Fiji from October to April annually.
