21 Jan 2010

Two Chinese men face illegal fishing charges in Samoa

11:34 am on 21 January 2010

Two Chinese men operating a business in Samoa have been charged with illegal fishing of a large quantity of sea cucumbers with the intention to export for commercial trade.

The charges follow an investigation by the fishery division of the Ministry of Agriculture.

A senior fishery officer and assistant CEO for the ministry, Mulipola Atonio, says the outcome of the inquiry has resulted in a further review of the Fishery Act for amendments.

The fishery division last year caught another Asian man operating a commercial business of exporting dried sea cucumbers to Hong Kong.

Meanwhile Mr Atonio says an order to further enforce a ban on the harvesting of sea cucumbers for commercial businesses will be issued soon after the head of state will endorse it.