Fisherman admits to setting fish pots in TCMP

The investigation into who set the nine fish pots within the boundaries of the protected Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP), ended with the individual coming forward and admitting responsibility.

On the morning of May 18, the discovery of nine pots containing 145 heads of fish (including many juvenile fish) came as a disappointment to the park rangers of the TCMP where fishing is not allowed.

Manager of the Park, Lesroy Noel explained that this was “because it had to be done by a fisherman who’s close to the area.”

“…We’ve had constant communications and work with a lot of local fishermen here, and they are aware of the boundaries, I can say that safely, they are aware of the boundaries. So the fact that (someone) went and did that it was obviously disappointing to us and we didn’t expect it,” he said.

Although from time to time there may be spear fishers caught in areas where they shouldn’t be, and fishing nets taken from the Park, the recent finding of these fish pots was the first major infraction of 2022.

However, Noel said this matter was settled “amicably” as he responded to questions on the investigation.

“There was no issue with the person, they actually did come forward, so we have settled it and we move forward,” he said.

Persons caught fishing within the 66 square kilometres of the TCMP, that has been declared a Marine Park since 1997, may be imprisoned and charged a fine of up to $10,000.

Asked what may have been the impetus for infractions despite the risks, the park manager contemplated that one of the factors is a belief they would not be caught.

The Marine Park has not been able to escape financial strains inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The TCMP relies heavily on park fees that are collected from visitors to the area, and the pandemic has kept the tourism industry in a choke hold.

For approximately a year they have been receiving aid from the Government who stepped in to help, but these funds also have to be used wisely, Noel indicated.

This financial situation had compromised patrols but the manager said that they have intensified patrols now, including unplanned ones outside of the usual hours.

“Because at the end of the day, yes we want to watch the finance but we have to make sure we protect the resources,” he said.

Noel and his team are assisted in these operations by the SVG Coast Guard Service that has a base in Canouan which is in fairly close proximity to the multiple islets and complex coral reef systems that comprise the Park.

Generally, Noel said that, “what we try to get the fishermen to understand is that when you sell a pound of fish, you making a $10 for the pound of fish, but if that same pound of fish is in the water it’s more valuable.”

They note that indirectly they will benefit when tourists visit these shores and spend money to buy fish.

Further, “if we protect a particular area and the fishes multiply, they will have competition for space so they will move out of their area, and wherever they are fishing now we believe that it would get populated.”

Noel also said that the Park has different zones and they will have to step up education on this matter.

“We want to work with communities especially in and around the park. We want to continue supporting sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

“We’re doing this for future generations. We all depend, especially in these small islands, we depend on the sea for our livelihood. But the creatures in the sea, the fishes and the lobster and so on, they are more valuable in the water,” he stated.

The Park manager has appealed for individuals generally continue to help monitor activities.

“Continue to be on the lookout for persons who might be thinking of fishing there; remember that there are areas that you can’t, and try your best as possible to make yourself familiar with the rules and regulations that govern the Tobago Cays Marine Park.”