Turks and Caicos Islands
GOVERNMENT

GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, September 11th, 2009 - The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) is cognizant that due to the Hurricanes Hanna and Ike 2008, numerous fish and lobster traps/pots were severely damaged and or lost at sea.  As a result,  the DECR has reason to believe that an estimated 500 lobster traps/pots still remain abandoned in the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

The DECR is greatly concerned as these lobster and fish pots will continue to trap and kill fish or lobster. 

By this public notice, the DECR is advising all fishermen who have abandoned their traps/pots since the last Hurricane Season to take urgent steps to retrieve their gear. Any abandoned fishing traps/pots which are not recovered within 7 days ( September 16, 2009) will be confiscated by the Department and the matter investigated thoroughly with the intent of prosecuting the offender.

Please be reminded, that it is an Offence against the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, 1998 to leave your traps unattended or unexamined for a period exceeding 48 hours from the time placing the same in the water.

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