From RCIPS 9 March 2018

Men Found with 173 Conch, Warned for Prosecution, 3 March

Shortly after 3:30PM on Saturday 3 March, while conducting operations on Colliers Public Beach in East End, officers observed two men attempting to carry what appeared to be a heavy item out of the water. Upon further observation the officers saw that the men re-enter the water and retrieve two bags which appeared to contain marine life. The men were spoken to and the contents of the bags counted. They were found to contain a total of 173 Conch, and an undersized lobster. The men were also found to be carrying a spear gun.

The men, aged 47 of West Bay, and 38 of Gorge Town respectively, were warned for intended prosecution for the offences of Taking Lobster During Closed Season, Taking Lobster Under the Prescribed Size, Taking Over the Prescribed Limit of Conch, and Possession of an Unlicensed Speargun.

“The depletion of marine life anywhere on the island is a serious issue that can have negative effects for years to come,” said Inspector Winsome Prendergast, Area Commander for the Eastern Districts. “In order to safeguard the environment for future generations, we will continue to strongly enforce and prosecute any breaches of the Environmental Law, and the illegal taking of marine life.”