News
Three Dominicans caught on fishing boat, awaiting charges
#TurksandCaicos, October 23, 2023 – Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing is a major threat to TCI fisheries resources undermining national efforts to sustainably use, manage and protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems leading to the loss of both short and long-term social and economic opportunities including food
On Wednesday, 4th October, 2023, Officers from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, during a mobile patrol in the Great Sand Cay and Endymion Rack areas of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) intercepted a small fishing vessel named “JOHAN-I” with 3 Dominican nationals onboard. The vessel was detained and persons arrested and brought into Grand Turk for processing and await criminal charges.
The Department continues to encourage the public/fishers to report any unusual vessels and to be mindful as to colours associated with illegal fishing vessels.