Fish and Boat seized in Marine Reserve

On Wednesday Feb 2nd, DoE Conservation Officers responded to a report from the public of suspicious activity in a protected Marine Reserve.

A vessel was intercepted with persons in the water, in the Marine Reserve near Rum Point Channel. An Officer searched the area around the boat and recovered two net bags containing 51 fish of various species, and 8 lobster, which all appeared to have been taken with spear guns from within the Marine Reserve.

Conservation Officers seized the boat and a Honda CRV which had also been used in the commission of the offences. The seized seafood was donated to a local charity.

4 men are facing several possible charges including:

• Taking marine life from a Marine Reserve

• Possession of an unlicensed spear gun

• Taking marine life with an unlicensed spear gun

• Taking Lobster above the daily limit

• Taking fish under 8-inch length

Had the spear guns been licensed, the following charges could also have been applicable:

• Taking parrotfish with a spear gun

• Taking lobster with a spear gun

• Exceeding the daily limit of fish that may be taken with a spear gun

The public are reminded that violations of Marine Park, spear gun license and catch limit regulations are criminal offenses that will be prosecuted.

Breaches of the National Conservation Act should be reported to DoE Conservation Officers at 916 4271. Active poaching can also be reported to 911.

Download the DoECayman app to know the Marine Park boundaries, fishing season and catch limits in seconds on your phone or visit doe.ky/marine-parks.