The proposed legislation, House Bill 11-104-10, seeks to allow trochus export, which is currently prohibited under 27 PNC Section 1204(r). The current law prohibits the export of any marine species from Palau waters except for pelagic fish. This law prohibits the exportation of trochus, which was harvested before primarily for export.
The House bill, which passed the 2nd reading on December 19th, if passed, will allow re-exportation of trochus. The bill findings state, “The Olbiil Era Kelulau recognizes the commercial value in exporting trochus, and 24 PNC Section 1243 provides that President may declare a limited open season for trochus harvesting” and that report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment published in 2020 show that trochus population has increased since 2016.
The bill also claims that local and foreign buyers are interested in buying trochus, but because of the current prohibition, trochus cannot be sold during the limited season. “Lawful exportation of the trochus harvested during the limited season to identified buyers is in the economic interest of the Republic,” states the bill findings.
In 2021, the Senate introduced a similar bill which passed the House on 3rd reading with minor amendments. That version with the amendment did not pass the Senate.
Despite the desire to open trochus for export, only one buyer was available, and the price was rejected. The offer was less than $1 per pound, and President Whipps then said it was better to harvest and process locally to gain higher value than export. The price of trochus has been going down internationally for years due to cheaper replacement products.
If this version of the bill passes, amending the law and allowing for export, the issue of having enough buyers and competing with cheaper imitation products will remain an outstanding issues for trochus trade.