Marine Enforcement Officers in the Department of the Environment have recently seen an increase in Marine Conservation Law violations, a trend they are hoping will cease as their presence increases throughout the coming seasons.
In this case of poaching, the offender plead guilty to seven marine offences: taking lobster out of season, taking lobster from a replenishment zone, taking lobster above the prescribed daily limit, taking lobster below the prescribed size limit, possession of a spear gun without a licence, taking marine life with an illegal spear gun, and using a spear gun in a replenishment zone. Photos: Submitted |
Additional enforcement officers – Carl Edwards and Stuart Turpin – have further strengthened the unit currently patrolling Cayman’s waters, providing an additional deterrent to violators, said a GIS press release.
The DOE has also been able to restock its fleet of vehicles and purchase state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment, making it easier to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies such as 911and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, who have also joined in the fight.
However, there is another positive and encouraging aspect – the fact that increasing numbers of private citizens are getting involved in reporting offences.
‘We are experiencing a surge in anonymous tips from residents who recognize when something fishy is going on in their neighbourhoods,’ said Marine Enforcement Officer Ronnie Dougall.
‘People are fed up with the blatant disregard for wildlife and its long-term impact. It’s not just because we are a tourist destination, I feel, but the fact is, a growing number of the public is becoming more environmentally aware.
‘They understand that if these poachers continue to deplete our seas, this important ecosystem will not survive and future generations will not experience its natural beauty.’
Education key
He added that education is a key deterrent in battling the illegal taking of marine life, but noted that while the department is dedicated to helping schools instil environmental consciousness, it does not exclude school age children being involved in these types of offences.
Especially for the older students, the consequences of being charged with marine violations can have far reaching effects on important aspects of their future.
‘The young men and women involved in these cases don’t realise that once their police record reflects a criminal conviction, it affects them from being allowed to go away to school, leave the country or travel freely,’ said Chief Marine Enforcement Officer Ladner Watler.
‘It can also have a negative impact when they are seeking employment. These crimes are not ignored and do not just go away later in life.’
The department acknowledges that for some, the rationale behind these actions can often be attributed to other factors.
‘Without passing judgement on the offenders, it is increasingly evident that many adults are suffering from socioeconomic issues like drug abuse or poverty,’ Mr. Dougall explained. ‘We often hear that illegal conch and lobster are sold on the street and the proceeds are then used to buy drugs and alcohol. It’s unfortunate that people continue to plunder our wildlife, but it is even more tragic that people support this illegal trade by purchasing what they catch.’
Cases prosecuted
But these crimes are not being taken lightly by either the DOE or the courts. Currently, there is a 100 per cent success rate in cases prosecuted, with large fines imposed and in some cases, imprisonment. It is also important to note that even those with proper licenses can and will be prosecuted should they choose to break the law, the release said.
Many local licensees caught for abusing their fishing privilege protest that it is their God-given right to take as much as they want from the sea. These are invariably the same ones caught with undersized lobster, large breeding-age grouper, or turtles slaughtered whilst laying eggs, the release reads. What they fail to realize is that by taking sea life at the wrong time or in the wrong quantities, they are further reducing the hope of replenishing the stocks.
‘It is very disturbing to see large-scale poaching violations going on in marine parks and protected areas,’ said Mr. Dougall. ‘In some cases, we have caught persons with over 100 conch, unlicensed fish pots in marine conservation zones, and/or illegal spear guns and nets. There is just no excuse for this – the marine laws are widely available and offenders are often repeat violators with no justification for their actions except greed and a disregard for our natural environment.’
One of the main points that the DOE constantly repeats is that while there are seasons for catching marine life, the idea shouldn’t be ‘take all I can, while I can’, but rather ‘take what I need.”
The DOE encourages the general public to continue calling in their anonymous tips on marine offences. Marine Enforcement Officer Ronnie Dougall can be reached around the clock on 926-4444; Chief Enforcement Officer Ladner Watler at 925-5158; Enforcement Supervisor Mark Orr at 916-4271. Callers can also dial 911 or the DOE office at 949-8469.
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