BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved swiftly to restore the ban on dolphin exports, overturning a controversial regulation introduced by the previous government just days before last week’s prime ministerial election.
The Prime Minister on Saturday signed into operation the Fisheries (Prohibition of Export of Dolphins) Regulations 2026, effectively reinstating the country’s long-standing ban on dolphin exports.
The new regulation revokes the Fisheries (Prohibition of Export of Dolphins) (Repeal) Regulations 2026, which had been signed on May 14 by former Fisheries Minister Bradley Tovosia.
Government said the decision was necessary to protect Solomon Islands’ tuna industry from reputational damage and possible international backlash.
“This action sends a strong and unambiguous message: Solomon Islands will not compromise its fisheries standards or risk its economic lifeline for short-term decisions,” the statement from the Government said.
The statement said the Government remains committed to protecting the integrity of the fisheries sector while safeguarding national interests, employment opportunities and international partnerships.
The repeal was published in the Solomon Islands Gazette under Legal Notice No. 180 and was made under Section 129 of the Fisheries Management Act 2015.
Prime Minister Wale has now formally reversed the repeal through the newly enacted Fisheries (Prohibition of Export of Dolphins) Regulations 2026, restoring the prohibition on dolphin exports across Solomon Islands.
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