About 359 pounds of fish seized from a foreign vessel suspected of illegal fishing in Anguilla’s waters have been donated to local organisations.
Recipients included the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Anguilla Community College, Zenaida Haven juvenile rehabilitation centre, White Cedar Girl’s Home and various care homes.
Pupils in Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School’s food and nutrition class also received fish to use in practical cooking lessons.
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The 26-foot St Martin-registered fishing vessel was intercepted at about 3.45pm on 24 September near Anguillita after being spotted travelling south from Dog Island.
A search revealed a haul of fish, but no firearms or controlled drugs, a press release from the Royal Anguilla Police Force said at the time.
Officers escorted the boat to Sandy Ground pier where officials from the Fisheries Unit confiscated the fish and subsequently placed it in storage.
In a press release on 23 October, the Department of Natural Resources said the vessel had been using offshore fish aggregating devices (FADS) without the required licenses or authorisations.
“Illegal foreign fishing undermines Anguilla’s ability to manage and protect its marine resources,” the department said.
“Pelagic fisheries are a key area for national development, and the government has made significant investments in offshore FADS, fisheries development and expanded opportunities for Anguillian fishers.”
The department stressed that these resources must be protected for the benefit of Anguilla’s people.
“While no formal charges were pursued in this case, the interception of the vessel and confiscation of the catch should serve as a clear warning,” it said.
“This incident marks the beginning of a stepped and measured response to illegal foreign fishing and illegal fishing overall. Future violations will result in prosecution under Anguilla’s fisheries laws.”
The department thanked all agencies involved for their professionalism, dedication and cooperation.
“Their joint efforts demonstrate a commitment to protecting Anguilla’s marine resources and ensuring compliance with national laws,” it said.
In a more recent incident, a Dominican Republic-registered fishing vessel was confiscated and its captain fined EC$20,000 after it was caught fishing illegally in Anguilla’s waters.
It was intercepted during a routine patrol on 15 October by the joint Royal Anguilla Police Force, HM Customs and Immigration Department patrol boat.
The vessel was taken to Road Bay, where officers searched it and discovered 1,728 kilograms (3,809lbs) of fish.
Fishing in Anguilla’s waters requires the appropriate licence under the Fisheries Protection Act and its accompanying regulations. Fishing without a licence is an offence.
Anyone with information on criminal activity can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
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