News

Turtle killing banned

December 7, 2016 5:24 pm

Exemptions for killing turtles have been banned for six months effective from December.

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau says the total ban is to allow turtles to breed during the six-month egg laying season.

Koroilavesau says there are penalties for anyone who breaks the ban.

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“The ban should already be in place but people continue to ask for exemptions but this month the exemption will not be given any more because this is the turtle laying egg period. Exemptions can be given outside the turtle egg laying period.”

Koroilavesau says those who were given exemptions in the past during such times cannot expect them again.

Turtles take about 30 years to mature and reproduce and if they are killed earlier, this will surely affect the population of the reptile.