The coconut crab harvesting season is now closed in Torba Province, with the two-month closure running from 31 August until 1 November under the Fisheries Coconut Crab Regulations.

During September and October, the regulations prohibit the picking, buying, selling, trading, transporting or eating of coconut crabs.

The annual closure is intended to protect coconut crab resources during their breeding period and support sustainable management of the resource in Torba.

Torba Fisheries Development Officer Herve Hopkins says the closure coincides with the period when coconut crabs are breeding and laying eggs.

“The reason for closing the season is because the crabs breed and lay eggs. This regulation is to manage the resources of each island.”

The Fisheries Coconut Crab Regulations are implemented every year as part of efforts to manage the coconut crab resource.

Other sources of income

Coconut crab is an important source of income for people in the Torres area, but the two-month closure is not expected to stop communities from earning an income.

Torres Area Council Community Liaison Officer Kino Williams says communities have other resources they can rely on during the closed season.

“We have other resources that can provide us with revenue, such as lobster, fish, markets and copra, which can help communities earn some money until 1 November when we can sell coconut crab again.”

Penalty for breaking the law

Fisheries authorities are reminding people in Torba to comply with the closed season.

Mr Hopkins says anyone who breaches the regulation can face a financial penalty of up to VT1 million.

“Anyone who does not comply with the regulation can pay a penalty which can go as far as VT1 million.”

Mr Hopkins is calling on communities to respect the closed season to protect coconut crab populations and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from the resource.

The coconut crab harvesting season will reopen on 1 November.