GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – The Cupboard has accredited the event of recent laws to ban non-Caymanians from harvesting any marine life from territorial waters, with restricted exceptions for regulated catch-and-release fishing.
In accordance with a launch from the Ministry of Well being, Atmosphere, and Sustainability, the proposal varieties a part of a broader effort to guard marine biodiversity and protect fishing sources for the Caymanian group. It additionally contains new protections for weak species that will apply to all anglers, no matter nationality.
The proposed framework introduces complete restrictions for non-Caymanians whereas defending entry for native fisherfolk, in keeping with the discharge. At present, there aren’t any fishing licence necessities or charges for anybody, whether or not resident or customer, to fish in designated areas.
The Nationwide Coalition for Caymanians is contemplating measures that will prohibit non-Caymanians from taking any species in any respect, together with fish, conch, lobster, and different marine life from Cayman waters.
Nonetheless, restricted exceptions could also be established by way of a licensing system that will enable near-shore catch-and-release fishing of designated sport fish and offshore catch-and-release of explicit billfish species.
Atmosphere Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks emphasised the significance of hanging a stability between custom and conservation. “Our marine ecosystems are underneath rising stress from overfishing and local weather change,” she mentioned within the launch.
“By introducing further restrictions, we’re taking a proactive step to handle our marine ecosystem responsibly. These measures will assist keep the well being of our reefs and marine life, safeguarding each our pure sources for this and future generations.”
She continued, “Initiating legislative drafting is a vital step. Whereas the legislative drafting work is underway, the federal government will seek the advice of with the assorted stakeholders to develop the implementation and operational plans for the brand new regulation, together with enforcement and managing customer entry by way of managed catch-and-release alternatives.”
Ebanks-Wilks famous that this was simply the beginning of the method to vary the regulation, and no modifications have been carried out but.
The issue of overfishing has been a big problem for years, resulting in the introduction of marine parks and numerous restrictions on fishing, and finally, the institution of the Nationwide Conservation Act.
The Ministry of Well being, Atmosphere, and Sustainability will now start a session interval; nevertheless, the ultimate laws could differ from the preliminary proposals.
As soon as inside consultations have been accomplished, implementation will happen solely after the mandatory work is finished, following a public session interval and legislative approval, as acknowledged within the launch.
