ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 15th, 2011   – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour along with the Conservation and Fisheries Department is discouraging the fishing community from the catching of ‘crop fish’ which includes hardnose, crevalle, mackarel and other varieties of fish that are less than half a pound in weight.

As of this week, the Conservation and Fisheries Department has responded to queries from various individuals in communities across Tortola reporting on the selling of crop fish which appear as ‘baby’ or ‘little’ fish.The department has since responded to those reports and have asked the fishermen to refrain from the catching and selling of the crop fish and from the use of small nets to harvest fish.

Officials from the department state that according to the Fisheries Regulations, 2003, ‘no person should use a net no less than 2 ½ inches in size for fishing’. If that size mesh was used, the crop fish would be allowed to swim out of the nets. It has been noted however that some persons are using a ½ inch mesh for fishing. This captures the crop fish in the net and gives them no chance to escape.

Under the fisheries regulations persons may be fined up to $1000 for contravening these provisions or up to $10,000, if fined under the Fisheries Act, 1997.

According to the department the capture of such fish poses a great threat to the livelihood of the Territory’s fisheries, its marine environment and the ability for the fish to grow to maturity and reproduce to ensure the continuity of the species.

The Department once again advises that although this is the first in a long time since they have witnessed the harvesting of this type of fish, the fish must be given a chance to reach the size of harvesting and any fish less than a half pound is too small to catch.

The department applauds those conscientious citizens for reporting such incidences to the Conservation and Fisheries Department and encourages the wider community to refrain from the purchase of ‘crop fish’.

The Conservation and Fisheries Department stands ready to assist when called to ensure that human actions towards the environment will not compromise vulnerable fish species and that of the marine eco-system.

They serve as the government agency with responsibility for the management and protection of the natural environment.
 

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