10 Poachers, and their vessels were apprehended on Sunday, 10 January, after Enforcement Officers from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and reacted to a tip-off from the TCI’s Marine Police Air Patrol.
The men were apprehended at Whale Breakers, approximately 24 miles south of South Caicos on at 1:30pm on Sunday. They were found to be in possession of illegal spearguns, breathing apparatus, as well as just over 200 lbs of illegal catch, including Parrot Fish and Nassau Grouper.
“I would like to thank all officers involved in this successful operation. Every time we seize a boat and put poachers in jail we send a strong message. This is important because the illegal fishing will not stop until poachers understand that it is not worth the risk – they will lose money and go to jail.” Said DEMA Director, Dr John Claydon.
The Poachers will face charges for the following contraventions to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance:
Taking marine product without a license;
Taking marine product using breathing apparatus;
Possession of spearguns;
Taking marine product by use of a speargun;
Use of unlicensed vessels;
Possession of Nassau Grouper during the closed season; and
Possession of parrot fish; and
The Turks & Caicos Nassau Grouper season is only due to resume on the 28th of February 2016 and it is considered a serious offence to fish for or be in possession of Nassau Grouper during the closed season. Similarly, the Fisheries Protection Ordinance prohibits the catching of parrot fish at all times. The individuals will remain in custody until they are processed by the Court this week.
