The Cayman Islands Authorities is transferring to introduce laws that may ban non-Caymanians from harvesting marine life within the nation’s territorial waters, as a part of a broader effort to guard biodiversity and protect assets for native fisherfolk.
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In line with a launch from the Ministry of Well being, Atmosphere and Sustainability, Cupboard has authorized the event of the brand new regulation, which might impose sweeping restrictions on the flexibility of holiday makers and non-Caymanian residents to fish, catch conch or lobster, or in any other case take away marine life from the ocean.
“This can be a proactive step to handle our marine ecosystem responsibly,” mentioned Atmosphere Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks. “These measures will assist keep the well being of our reefs and marine life, safeguarding each our pure assets for this and future generations.”
Beneath the proposed framework, non-Caymanians could be prohibited from harvesting any species, with restricted exceptions. A licensing system might permit regulated catch-and-release fishing — close to shore for designated recreation fish, and offshore for particular billfish species.
At present, there aren’t any fishing licence necessities or charges for anybody — native or customer — to fish in designated areas. The brand new proposal would change that, marking a big shift in how marine assets are managed.
The Nationwide Coalition for Caymanians is reportedly reviewing additional proposals that would implement a complete ban on non-Caymanian harvesting of fish, conch, lobster, and different marine species.
Minister Ebanks-Wilks emphasised that legislative drafting has solely simply begun. “Whereas the legislative drafting work is underway, the Authorities will seek the advice of with varied stakeholders to develop implementation and enforcement plans,” she mentioned.
The ministry famous that this initiative remains to be within the early levels. A public session interval will observe inside discussions, and the ultimate rules might differ from the present draft proposals.
The transfer comes amid rising issues about overfishing and local weather change, which have already led to the creation of marine parks, species protections, and the enactment of the Nationwide Conservation Act.
No adjustments have but taken impact, however officers say public enter will play a key function in shaping the ultimate laws.
