Gov't vows to curb illegal fishing

WITHIN THE last five years, Jamaica has lost out on more than US$130 million because of poaching practices in the country's territorial waters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries shed light on the ongoing issue of foreign vessels in Jamaican waters following, the most recent incident of a Honduras vessel being sighted near the Pedro Cays.

"We are concerned, and have been for some time, about the illegal poaching taking place in our territorial waters where our marine resources have been and continue to be exploited by foreign vessels," said Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of agriculture, in a press conference on Tuesday.

Tufton noted that vessels from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Columbia and Honduras have been spotted on other occasions.

Within the last year alone, according to Tufton, there have been 42 sightings of vessels fishing illegally on the Pedro bank.

"Only three have been apprehended," he said.

The agriculture minister outlined the angles from which the Jamaican Government will be addressing illegal fishing.

These are exploitation of marine resources, foreign affairs, health and national security.

Dwight Nelson, national security minister, has promised that Jamaica will strengthen patrol of the island's territorial waters.

Two other incidents involving Honduras vessels within the past three weeks have resulted in the seizure of two vessels containing 10,000lb of lobster (including tails and heads) valued at $10 million.

"We do have a right to defend our position," Tufton said.

The agriculture ministry is working on having a new fisheries legislation - which will address outdated fines among other issues, such as poaching - implemented at some point this year.