The Department of Marine Resources wishes to advise the general public that reports of illegal fishing of crawfish is coming to the department. Besides, there are other illegitimate events including arrests and prosecutions, indicate that persons are harvesting and trading crawfish, in spite of the fact that the season for fishing for crawfish is currently closed. It is said that the crawfish season will be open from 1 August 2008 to 31 March 2009. It is illegal to capture crawfish at any time other than within the mentioned dates.
The department said that persons engaged in such activities are advised to cease from such practices immediately. According to the department many Bahamian fishermen use air compressors to aid in the capture of crawfish. Use of this device greatly increases the efficiency of fishermen, but it has the potential for negative impacts on natural marine resources if these devices are improperly used.
The department reminded the fishermen are reminded that the use of air compressors to harvest marine resources is allowed only during the period from 1 August to 31 March, inclusive. It is said that if any fishermen found with an air compressor and marine resources aboard there vessel during the period when air compressor use is prohibited, they are liable to arrest and persecution.
It is fact that crawfish forms the backbone of the commercial fishing industry in The Bahamas and plays an important role in the national economy, provided jobs for thousands of Bahamians, earns millions of dollars in foreign exchange and contributions, towards the Gross Domestic Product of The Bahamas. The Department of Marine Resources reminds fishermen that violation of fisheries laws are criminal offences and carry serious consequences.
