GP imposes ban on harvesting coconut crabs

By Taromane Martin

The Guadalcanal province is imposing a ban on harvesting coconut crab (locally known as Kasusu) as the breeding season arrives.

The ban is effective as of 1 June, 2025 until 31 October 2025. It will be lifted starting 1 November 2025.

The ban was imposed in accordance with the National Fisheries Regulation of 2018 to maintain the current stock of coconut crabs within the province.

Guadalcanal Province Fisheries Division, Principal Officer Malachai Tefetia said this is the first time the province imposed the ban.

“This is the first time the province, through my division, is giving out information about the implementation of this regulation which aims to protect the population of these giant hermit crabs.

“From January to May and November to December is the harvest season. But from June to October it’s their breeding season, meaning harvesting of Coconut Crabs is banned.

“Through the Fisheries Regulation of 2018, we need to implement and regulate this because if we continue to allow harvesting during their breeding season, we might not have the luxury we have now, of seeing these creatures all year around, in the future.

“Also important to note is that during the harvesting season make sure the harvested ones are measured not less than 9 centimeters. They must be 9 centimeters or above,” Tefetia said.

Under the 2018 Fisheries Regulation Act made by then Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. John Maneniaru on 9 August 2018.

Anyone found breaching the laws on Coconut Crabs in the Solomon Islands will face a maximum penalty of forty thousand, faces a four-month imprisonment or will serve both.

Tefetia meanwhile said his division already has the information from the ministry and is working on disseminating this information to people within Guadalcanal Province and for the country as well.

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