There are strict requirements in place by the Fisheries Ministry for those who applying for exemption to harvest turtles for traditional or scientific purposes.

Minister responsible, Semi Koroilavesau says applicants have to apply through the divisional office from where the turtle would be harvested from.

Koroilavesau says the requirements include the number of turtles needed, the date or period it will be used and which Qoliqoli the turtle will be harvested from.

“These are important information that would allow the ministry of fisheries to decide whether an application will be approved or declined. Additionally once the application is approved as an exemption is issued. The ministry of fisheries would monitor the harvest and use of these turtles.”

Koroilavesau says the ministry’s monitoring unit will closely monitor the total number of turtles to be harvested, the appropriate size and shell length, sex of turtles, the approved Qoliqoli site and the date it should be harvested.

The Turtle Moratorium on the molesting, taking or killing of turtles was implemented since 2004 and will expire this year.