Park ranger warns fishers not to set pots in Tobago Cays Marine Park

PARK RANGERS at the Tobago Cays Marine Park are increasing their vigilance after a number of fish pots were found in the protected area.

Fishing is prohibited in the Tobago Cays Marine Park and park manager, Lesroy Noel, is urging fisherfolks not to fish in the waters and set up fish pots there.

He told the Agency for Public Information (API), that there have been recent instances where fish pots have been found in waters of the park. Noel also said that consistent fishing could destroy the coral reefs especially in the Mayreau Gardens area.

And he has warned that if anyone is found fishing in the waters of the protected park, they can be imprisoned and could be charged up to EC$10,000.

The Tobago cays Marine Park is a protected area by law consisting of six large islets and several smaller ones.

The park also has four major coral reefs, the largest of which is the horseshoe reef which is home to different varieties of fish and provides habitat

for conch, lobsters and sea turtles, which is one of the major attractions for visitors to the park.