COLE BAY--Nature Foundation has increased its patrols in Man of War Shoal Marine Park to combat illegal fishing activities which traditionally spike leading up to the Easter and Carnival holidays.
“We are increasing our patrolling leading up to the Easter and Carnival holidays where we often see poachers trying to fish illegally in the Marine Park,” said Park Manager Tadzio Bervoets.
Foundation staff will patrol during weekends and early morning hours to increase presence in the Marine Park, the country’s only protected nature area.
While on patrol on Sunday, the Foundation assisted a fisherman to locate his fish traps, which were placed legally outside of the Marine Protected Area.
As the legally mandated management authority for the Marine Park, the Foundation reminds residents that no fishing is allowed, including trap and line fishing in the Park.
“We have a close working relationship with fishermen when it comes to the Man of War Shoal Marine Park and would like this to continue. However, if we notice illegal activities within the Marine Park this will be addressed, including the removal of fish traps,” according to a statement issued by the Foundation.
The boundaries of the Marine Park are between 18 degrees north and 17 degrees -57.0 north and 63 degrees -01.03 west and 63 degrees -04.05 W, in an area better known as “the Proselyte Reef Complex.” This area includes the country’s most ecologically and economically important marine habitat, including extensive coral reef areas and seagrass beds.
The Man of War Shoal Marine Park, officially established on December 30, 2010, is a home and migratory stop over or breeding site for three IUCN Red List Species, 10 CITES Appendix I species and 89 Appendix II species. It is an area with a relatively healthy population of marine mammals including migratory whales and dolphins, numerous species of shark, sea turtles and numerous fish species.
Studies conducted by the Nature Foundation have shown that biodiversity in this area, particularly coral reef density, is high and the economic goods and services which the ecosystem provides are in excess of fifty million dollars annually.
“It has been shown that no-fishing areas have resulted in an increase in fish stock. Therefore it is also in the interest of fishermen to adhere to the no catch rules of the Marine Park,” the Foundation said.
