A job well done to Glen Joseph and his team at the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority!SHARK ATTACKMIMRA HUNTS DOWN ALL OF THE ILLEGAL TAKERS OF FINS
Enforcement of the new ban on shark fishing in the RMI is stepping up, with MIMRA and law enforcement personnel boarding dozens of vessels, and confiscating shark fins, skins, and fishing gear.
Last month, MIMRA levied and received a $125,000 fine against the Japanese transshipment vessel Satsuma, the first fine issued under the PL2011-63, Fisheries Amendment Act of 2011 that went into force late last year.
“It is illegal to have sharks on board,” said MIMRA Director Glen Joseph. MIMRA began enforcing the ban on sharks and shark fins late last year, initially confiscating gear but not issuing fines. Instead, enforcement officers put commercial fishermen — and others — on notice that they faced future fines if they continue to bring shark and shark products through the RMI. An unannounced raid at the Marshall Islands Fishing Venture late last year resulted in the boarding of many vessels and confiscation of sharks and shark fishing gear, said MIMRA enforcement officer Marcella Tarkwon.
Director Glen Joseph
She said enforcement teams have boarded dozens of longliners and transshipment vessels in Majuro over the past two months.
“We’ve sent notices (about the law) to all agents,” Tarkwon said. “They are responsible to let the vessels know.”
Both Joseph and Tarkwon said when enforcement personnel find sharks, the captains and crew offer many excuses: “We didn’t know about the law,” “they were not caught in the RMI,” or “they were caught before the law was approved.”
“It doesn’t matter where the sharks were caught,” Joseph said. “If you have shark on board, you are in violation of the law.”
“The gear (locally-based) longliners were using is prohibited by the shark law,” said Tarkwon. “We went through 41 longliners based at MIFV. We confiscated sharks and cut off fishing gear (from the vessels) and burned the fins.” A week later, a visit to MIFV found “the vessels clean, with no sign of sharks,” Tarkwon said.
“We work with the police and go as a team,” she said.
Written by Giff Johnson and published in the Marshall Islands Journal on February 24, 2012
Show your support for the Marshall Islands Shark Sanctuary and the proposed Micronesia Regional Shark Sanctuary by liking Micronesia Shark Defenders on Facebook.
8 comments:
Is it accurate to say that you are pondering, at this moment, why individuals utilize a kayak to angle out of as opposed to utilizing something that appears more prepared for the employment? guidancesports.com Baitcasting Reel
This does not only help to improve one's skill in kayaking, but reduces the hassle in enjoying a productive fishing trip, hunting trip, etc. best baitcasting reel
Just read your article. Good one. I liked it. Keep going. you are a best writer your site is very useful and informative thanks for sharing! Go for the best quality product possible and research before purchasing one. Wasting money is not something anyone likes, better spend sometimes on research and get the right best fishing reel.
Just read out your article. Great one and loved it. Continue onward. you are a best author and your site is exceptionally helpful and useful a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!
Thanks for sharing such an informative blog that helped me to understand how illegal Shark Fishing Algarve is affecting our environment balance.
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your posts, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the excellent work. setupdubaibusiness.com
Really informational article! Keep up the good work. Wishes from Cross Link
Thank you for sharing such an invaluable piece of information.
Post a Comment