The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA) president has described the 2016-2017 crawfish season as “productive”, telling this newspaper: “We hope the trend continues.”

Adrian LaRoda said:  “So far this season has been productive. Year-over-year, it’s been more productive than last year. We hope that trend continues.

“We suspect that this is because of a number of factors, primarily the law enforcement presence evidenced by the latest arrest of Dominican fishermen.”

The BCFA has long voiced concerns over poaching by foreign fishermen, primarily Dominicans, and particularly during the closed period.  The 2016-2017 crawfish season runs from August 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force last week apprehended two Dominican fishing vessels while on routine patrol in the southern Bahamas.

Both vessels reportedly attempted to flee the area and warning shots had to be fired across the bow of the Dominican vessels by after all attempts were made to stop and board them.

One of the fleeing Dominican vessels reportedly rammed HMBS Madeira to prevent capture but was unsuccessful.

“When you look at the level of aggression being displayed by illegal fishermen  toward our military, it is a serious concern to us. These are things we have been speaking to for years,” said Mr LaRoda.