TCI: Public Notice – Illegal Fishing in The National Parks

#TurksandCaicos, March 8, 2018 – Providenciales – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) would like to remind the public that fishing within a National Park is illegal. Persons caught doing so will face the full extent of the law. This is in accordance with the National Parks Ordinance, Ordinance 11 of 1975, as amended.

According to Regulation 3, subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) the following activities are prohibited within all National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries or Areas of Historical Interest:

1. The taking of any animal or plant by any method on land or at sea, except to the extent permitted in any fishing zone;
2. The destruction of, or damage or injury to, any animal or plant;

Any persons caught contravening these regulations are committing an offense and is liable, on summary of conviction, to a fine of up to $50,000.00 or a term of imprisonment of 12 months, or both.

The DECR would like to encourage the public to familiarize themselves with the National Parks / Nature Reserve / Sanctuary / Historical Area boundaries. This information is available in the National Parks Ordinance, which can be found on the DECR’s webpage:  http://www.gov.tc/dema . Should you notice illegal activity within the boundaries of these Protected Areas, please contact the Department at environment@gov.tc, or 338-4164.

Release: TCIG