The three targeted sea cucumber species commonly found in deep waters are the flower teat fish, white teat fish and prickly red.
A total allowable catch has been set up for each of the three species and these are 281,250 units for the flower teat fish; 56,250 units for the white teat fish; and 37,500 units for the prickly redfish.
The fishing season of the sea cucumber will also be reduced to eight months — from October to May. Currently, the fishing season is from October to June.
“This will be reviewed after three consecutive fishing seasons. We will monitor the quota and also put in place a review mechanism for non-performing licensees who are not utilising their quota,” says the Seychelles Fishing Authority.
The species is the most regulated of all fisheries in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, with fishing license conditions containing more than 30 articles. Due to exploitation for around 30 years, the stock has dwindled
. Sea cucumber is the most regulated of all fisheries in Seychelles. (Saspotato/flickr)