A press release issued by The Department of Marine Resources is calling on members of the public, who are guilty of the act of fishing the waters with the use of air compressors to harvest crawfish and other marine resources, to “cease forthwith,” as now is not the time.
“The department wishes to remind the general public that the authorised use of air compressors in the harvesting of marine resources is from August 1 to March 31 inclusive.”
A compressor is used to introduce air into the water through several tubes to form an air curtain. The fish are frightened by the bubble sound and low frequency oscillations and move rapidly in the desired direction. This device includes an engine-driven compressor that forces compressed air into a steel manifold and then through rubber pipes. This is one of the methods used in intensive fish aquaculture, in order to maximise efficiency of harvest. The Bahamas Fishing Regulations also remind fishermen that, “it is illegal to use any type of underwater air supply for spear fishing or collecting of any marine life. This includes scuba gear as well as air compressors.”
The public is further reminded that the crawfish season is presently closed and the harvesting of crawfish during the closed season from April 1 to July 31 inclusive, is an offence in accordance with provisions of the Fisheries Act and individuals found in violation, will be prosecuted to the “fullest extent of the law.”
The fisheries department has had a constant battle with poachers, primarily from the Dominican Republic and illegal fishing.
All crawfish caught must be five-and-a-half inches in tail length and three-and-one-quarter inches in jacket length. Fishermen who are seeking to use air compressors and traps to harvest lobsters need to obtain a permit from the Department of Fisheries. Compressors can only be used legally between the depths of 30 and 60 feet of water and in the specified time frame.
Approximately $70m-$80 million is generated from the sale of crawfish each year. Numbers show that about 95 to 98 per cent of the crawfish produced in the country is sold internationally.
The Bahamas is the second largest producer and exporter of lobster in the Caribbean region next to Cuba.
By: IANTHIA SMITH, The Nassau Guardian
