Tonga's sea cucumber harvesting season that was extended for two weeks from September 30 was closed on Saturday, October 15, according to the Ministry of Fisheries.

Tevita 'Ahoafi of the Licensing Unit at the Ministry of Fisheries said that the harvesting season was closed as required.

He said now the 11 licensed operators would be given the remainder of the month to process and dry their sea cucumbers and export them to Asian markets.

Of the 11 licensed operators, three were for Tongatapu, three for Vava'u, four for Ha'apai and one for Niuatoputapu.

A total of 100 tonnes was initially allocated for export for this season but because the season started late in June and was then extended it is anticipated that the quota might exceed the 100 tonnes. But this would be confirmed at the end of the exports this month.

Tonga's sea cucumber harvesting season normally runs from April 1 to September 30.

Local operators particularly in Vava'u and Ha'apai had pleaded for more time to harvest, because bad weather had prevented most of them from getting out to sea.

The Minister of Fisheries Lord Vaea met with the Ministry CEO Dr Vailala Matoto and a committee including other senior officials and the extension was agreed to.