A poacher vessel, with two poachers on board, was apprehended on Sunday, 13 September, after Enforcement Officers from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the Marine Police noted suspicious activities in TCI waters.
The men, Dominican Republic Nationals, were apprehended two miles off of Seal Cay, at around 10 am on Sunday morning. They were found to be in possession of an illegal speargun, breathing apparatus, as well as just 35 lbs of illegal catch, including Parrot Fish, and Lobster.
“The weather conditions were against us for an operation of this kind, but we are very grateful for the effort of both the Police and DEMA Officers that were involved. Although there were more poachers that we could not apprehend safely, the Officers were very professional in the way they handled the situation. This type of illegal fishing is the biggest threat to TCI fisheries and we need to continue sending a strong message to foreign poachers.” 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 a speargun;
• Taking marine product by use of a speargun;
• Use of an unlicensed vessel;
• Possession of egg-bearing lobster; and
• Possession of parrot fish.
The individuals will remain in custody until they are processed by the Court on Wednesday. DEMA would like to encourage the public to report any suspicious fishing activity observed in our waters and would like to remind all that if one is found to be in contravention of any of the regulations of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, that one could face up to a $50,000 fine, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
