Surge in illegal bech-de-mer harvesting in WP
LOCAL divers in the eastern region of Western Province (WP) are racing to the lagoon waters in a frenzied pursuit of bech-de-mer (sea cucumbers) as some buyers offering prices as high as $800 per kilogram for the commodity, it was revealed. Reports indicated intense competition amongst locals, particularly in Vonavona Lagoon, where various species are…