Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Larry Cartwright confirmed that the authority has decided to prohibit long-line fishing and the commercial harvesting of all turtles. He was addressing a Department of Marine Resources workshop and unveiled additional realistic and concrete steps taken to address issues impacting the supply of fisheries.
Cartwright told that the prohibition against the commercial harvesting of all marine turtles starts January 1 2009 and a total ban starts from April 1. According to him prohibition of the harvesting of Nassau groupers during their vulnerable spawning period will continue. He also said that the Fisheries Regulations are to be amended to better protect the bonefish and other important commercial species.
Cartwright opined that there are several challenges faced by fisheries in the Bahamas which should be overcome through collaborative efforts. In his speech he point to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which includes foreign, commercial and recreational poaching; unreported catches by fishers to help in the development of adequate management plans; and activities and gear that can negate efforts at sustainable development.
He also told that the government has strengthened the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to check illegal and unregulated fishing in its waters. He told that the establishment of the Ministry of the Environment can bring a more focused approach to environmental concerns. He informed that the measures the authority has taken to effect sustainable development in this sector demonstrate government’s commitment to provide sustainable seafood.
