Anguilla’s health authorities have declared about 3,800 pounds of fish seized from a Dominican Republic fishing vessel as unfit for human consumption.
The catch, which consisted of red snapper, tuna and mahi-mahi, was seized after the boat was intercepted about 1.6 nautical miles east of Sombrero Island on 15 October.
Natural resources minister Kyle Hodge said the fish will not enter the local market because officials could not confirm that it had been kept at a safe temperature throughout its handling and transport.
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“If you cannot mark it safe, it is risky to tell the public from a technical standpoint that I certify this to be to be safe and edible,” he said at a government press conference on 26 October.
The Fisheries Unit is working with the Department of Health Services to arrange for the disposal of the impounded catch.
Fine and confiscation
Galleon One was intercepted during a routine patrol on 15 October by the joint Royal Anguilla Police Force, HM Customs and Immigration Department patrol boat.
Hodge said officers found fishing lines, hooks, bait and freshly caught fish on board, with one line still in the water.
The boat and its tender were taken to Road Bay, where officers searched it and recorded 1,728 kilogrammes of fish. The eight people on board were detained and charged with illegal fishing.
The charges against the crew were later withdrawn, with proceedings pursued only against the captain who appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on 19 October.
He was fined EC$20,000 and the court also ordered the confiscation of the vessel which was equipped for extended commercial fishing operations.
Fishing boat
According to Hodge, the boat contains five hydraulic winches, navigation equipment, substantial freezing capacity, and facilities to accommodate its crew for several weeks.
“The updated investigation report indicates that the vessel had begun fishing in the area on 14 October and intended to remain for another five days,” he said.
“The catch seized was only one full day of fishing. This highlights the potential scale of the impact on our fisheries resource had the operation continued.”
The vessel is now owned by the Government of Anguilla, which is considering options for its disposal, including a possible sale back to the previous owner, pending legal advice.
“This option is being explored, as maintaining the vessel for several months while awaiting an action would impose significant costs on the government and the people of Anguilla,” Hodge said.
A warning
The natural resources minister warned that anyone caught fishing illegally in Anguilla’s waters that the island is taking the protection of its marine resources seriously.
“Those who fish illegally risk interception, prosecution, and the loss of their catch, equipment and vessel, subject to the law and the decisions of the court,” he said.
“Our waters support the livelihood of Anguillian fishermen and their families. They contribute to our food security and our economy. We cannot allow these resources to be undermined by unauthorised fishing.
“We will continue to support coordinated enforcement and the responsible management of our fisheries, so that these resources remain available for present and future generations.”
In September, a St Martin-registered vessel containing about 356 pounds of fish was intercepted in Anguilla waters. The catch confiscated and donated to local organisations.
