Sea cucumber

Samoa businessman pays fine for harvesting sea cucumber for trade

Chen Pao was found guilty in April last year after an investigation found 431 kilograms of sea cucumbers ready for export at a total market price of $341,000 tala (US$120,000).

The sea cucumbers, known as bĂȘche-de-mer on international markets, were found at Pao's Apia properties, the Treasure Garden hotel in Savalalo and Treasure Garden restaurant in Fugalei.

The first time offender has been ordered to pay $US1500 or face a jail term of three months.

The two charges each carry fines of up to $US2500.