Avoid the use of hazardous substances to capture aquatic wildlife – Forestry

DURING THE Easter Season, many persons attempt to catch aquatic (river) species by poisoning the water in which they live.

The Forestry Services, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries is appealing to the public to avoid the use of hazardous substances to capture River Lobster, Crayfish, Shrimp, Fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Hazardous substances can be: a) Any electrical device designed to frighten any protected or partially protected wildlife; b) Any article of any nature which is likely to cause injury to any protected or partially protected wildlife; c) Any noxious substance for the purpose of killing and or injuring any protected or partially protected wildlife.

“River poisoning is illegal; it can disrupt the natural processes of the rivers, streams and springs and may endanger the lives of the people in entire communities downstream as well as other persons who may eat the fishes,” a release from the Forestry Services said.

Persons guilty of such an offence are liable to a fine of $2000 and to imprisonment for six months.

This is accordance with Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act No. 16 of 1987.