SYDNEY, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has ordered maritime provinces not to harvest sea cucumbers until a full stock assessment survey is completed.
The NFA have implemented a no-fishing ban on the delicious delicacy, locally known as beche-de-mer, despite the official harvesting season opening on July 1.
Speaking with local media outlet the Post Courier Newspaper on Wednesday, West New Britain provincial fisheries division adviser Newel Sinaigawi said initial assessments could spell grave concerns for this year's stock.
"West New Britain Province fisheries authority's preliminary report looks bleak," he said.
"Overall, the fishery remains under very serious threat and the NFA management could put a stop (to fishing), in order to save these creatures from extinction."
When the survey is completed, the findings will be given to the Board of the NFA for final approval as to whether local fishermen can start harvesting.
"Apart from being food delicacies, these creatures have a major part to play in nature as 'brooms who sweep the seafloor to keep hard surfaces in the sea bottom, closer to the beaches and reefs," Sinaigawi said.
"If the NFA Board allows beche-de-mer fishery to open, they will advise us in the provinces to take some cut back measures and I will notify the fisherman in the province."
