Illegal Slaughter of Protected Sports Fish Documented
Photo Gallery8 Photos Monday, January 23rd, 2012, 2:05 pm
Disturbing evidence has surfaced with regards to illegal fishing of protected species in the area of Los Salones, Ambergris Caye. Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon are protected by the fisheries law, as specified in Section 3 “No person or establishment shall have in possession any bonefish, permit or tarpon or any product from, save and except in the act of catch and release.” Alyssa Flota of El Pescador and Wil Flack from Tres Pescados Fly Shop indicated that they have repeatedly notified the Fisheries Department – stating that to the best of their knowledge, the boat is a Sarteneja boat selling to the Corozal market – and has apparently been netting in the area over the past two years. Despite reporting to the Fisheries Department and the management of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on numerous occasions it appears that no action has been taken.
In a email correspondence to Vincent Gillett of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, on January 22nd, photographs clearly show irrefutable evidence of illegal slaughtering of one of Belize’s sports fish that are officially protected by law.
In an email response, Gillett stated that an investigation into the matter will be conducted promptly.
The initial email sent to Vernon Gillett of the CZMA contained information and photgraphs of the illegal slaughter of juvenile permit fish
We would like to urge the public to support our efforts in contacting the Fisheries Department and implore them to take immediate action against this detrimental activity that is ultimately costing the country of Belize millions in sportfishing revenues while threatening protected species, as well as assisting in these efforts by swiftly reporting any such activities that may be occurring in our waters.
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If you would like to help – please forward your desire for protection of bonefish, tarpon and permit, and enforcement of our catch and release laws, to Vincent Gillett, [email protected] and CC George Myvette, [email protected] Thank you for your attention, time and help.
Unfortunately Fisheries cannot protect when they do not have the money to do so. The money being raised by sports fishing licenses are being paid into Coastal Zone. Coastal Zone does not have the power to enforce laws, only Fisheries can enforce, and without money, they cannot. Coastal Zone is only there to collect the money, and from here we don’t know where the money goes.
Fisheries was called this year in April with a big tarpon being butchered by the Barrack’s, about 2 miles from their office in Belize City. They never showed up to enforce the law. They are not enforcing the law in Belize City, they are not enforcing by Ambergris Caye, they are not enforcing in Southern Belize, but the Coast Guard is enforcing and stopping boats at Turneffe – why there? What about the rest of Belize?
Yet, I still cannot fault Fisheries, no money, no fuel, no overtime, as we all know that netters net from 4:00 pm to 6:00 am, off hours, so overtime for employees will be needed to enforce this law. If the enforcement is not being done, why should we be paying for a “Sport Fishing License”, which was implemented to be the funds needed to enforce this law and protect the three fish species (Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon) that bring thousands of foreigners into Belize each year.
protecting the fish…any fish,,,will be a total waist of time, money and effort…if the habitat isnt protected…and it surely ‘isnt’ being protected…[ie:-dredging/mangrove cutting/wetlands distruction and 'sustainable developement''....!!! ]