A conservationist's fight to save and protect endangered marine species is often thwarted by desperate locals out on the hunt for their next catch and kill regardless of whether it is illegal. Last week we told you about the hawksbill turtle that was slaughtered at a fishing camp out at sea two weeks ago.
The culprits were caught in the act by fisheries officers on patrol. 72-year-old Lionel Young, 20-year-old Jenever Usher, and 38-year-old Shantel Usher were each charged with possession of prohibited fish. The trio is out on bail and set to appear back in court on August 30th. But will they face the proper penalties for their actions? And are Magistrates sufficiently conversant not he new fisheries regulations?
Last week, we asked the Acting Fisheries administrator Rogoberto Quintana for his comment:
Rigoberto Quintana, Acting Fisheries Administrator, Belize Fisheries Department
"I think people have to respect at least the protected species that we have in Belize and since the 1990's we have been one of the pioneer countries in the Caribbean region Central America to fully protect marine turtles and that carries a fine of one thousand dollars per piece. So in that case, if you have your turtle in pieces, each piece of turtle adds to a thousand dollars. The other day I saw commenting about the parrot fish that the person was charged. But indeed, for those species that are protected the fine is a thousand dollars for all protected species in Belize."
