A former president of the Fishermen’s Co-operative wants more arrests after three French anglers were caught over the weekend for illegally fishing in Antigua & Barbuda’s waters.
It’s about time we have more capturing of French fishermen in our waters because in Guadeloupe they believe it is their right to fish in our waters, said Gerald Price.
We need more capture of these fishermen and when we capture them we have to make an example of them.
They must stop reaping our fish because in the short to long run we will have nothing for our children or grandchildren, he added.
The three French anglers were caught by the Coast Guard over the weekend. They were fined a combined total of $40,000 for illegal fishing by the Minister of Agriculture. Failure to pay up will result in them being hauled before the courts.
Local fishermen spotted the boat on which the trio was fishing on Friday, and summoned the Coast Guard.
The men were intercepted by officers on patrol on one of the new safe board interceptors donated by the United States government last month.
The men, who were represented by John Fuller, will be released from police custody upon payment of the fine.
Price said it’s important harsh penalties are given to people illegally fishing in the country’s waters to deter others.
Our fishing industry is being hampered by the French fishermen coming into our waters so I am extremely glad the Coast Guard has made a capture, said Price.
I hope it’s not just a little slap in the hand and they go back to Guadeloupe; some example must be made so that other French fishermen must know to keep out of our waters, he added.
Local fishermen have long complained of illegal fishing by Guadeloupe and Martinique fishermen.
2012 Observer Publications Limited