THE ROYAL BARBADOS POLICE FORCE is taking a tough stance against sea egg poaching.
Public relations officer Inspector David Welch told the DAILY NATION that while on patrol members of the Marine Unit would be paying “special attention” to the known poaching spots and any other areas brought to their attention.
Welch said it was the intention of the force to pay attention to the sea egg closed season and arrest anyone caught violating the order.
Because of over-harvesting during the sea egg season, which is aggravated by out-of-season harvesting, a number of bans have been imposed with a view to allowing the stock to replenish.
The most recent ban was imposed in September last year for a three-year period. The first year is still weeks away, but poaching is already an issue.
A Christ Church man should know his fate for the violation today.
Just last Monday, Eustace Archibald Moseley, of Fairy Valley, Christ Church, appeared before Acting Magistrate Manilla Renée in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court accused of poaching sea eggs on Long Beach in the same parish.
He was placed on $1 500 bail with a surety, and is to appear in the District “B” Magistrates’ Court today.
A source from the Fisheries Division confirmed that the ban is in place until September 30, 2013.
He said anyone found guilty of harvesting sea eggs during this period could be imprisoned for two years or face a fine of $50 000. (YB)
