The Ministry of Fisheries has confirmed that an individual has been fined $10,000 and two others have been fined $20,000 for breaching the ban on the harvesting of sea turtles.
Director of Fisheries, Aisake Batibasaga says that they have taken only three people to court and the Ministry of Fisheries are encouraging more people to come forward and report those who have breached this ban.
Batibasaga says that a 10 year prohibition on the harvesting and sale of turtles expired at the beginning of the year and they have continued the ban this year.
He says the ban will ensure that the conservation, management and protection of turtles is strengthened and they are working to get communities to realise and understand the importance of protecting turtles.
People who are caught harvesting turtles can face a fine of $10,000 or 12 months imprisonment and corporations found breaking the moratorium can face a maximum fine of $140,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both.
