The Caye Caulker Fishers Association is opposing the mandatory installation of vessel tracking devices on stone crab fishing boats and wants the requirement put on hold until members are consulted.
“We wrote the Fisheries Department a letter and told them that we would like for them to put it on hold, come consult with us, tell us what’s happening,” Forte said.
He argues that some boats are used for purposes other than fishing, including recreation and tourism, but would still be tracked around the clock.
“If I have a boat and I am using my boat for recreational use or tourism or whatever, all of that will be tracked. When I think about this and hear about this, this is my private vessel, bought and paid for with my own money,” Forte said.
Forte also argues that the Fisheries Department should strengthen its enforcement efforts, saying fishers face piracy and financial losses at sea.
“I feel the Fisheries is trying to put part of their work on us. We need to have the Fisheries out there. We need to have them patrolling. They need to be doing their enforcement part and a show of presence. This is going to deter a lot of things,” he said.
The Fisheries Department has set October 22 as the deadline for stone crab fishers to have the devices installed and operational. Failure to comply could result in the immediate revocation of their special licences.
