The House of Representatives is expected to start debating the new Fisheries Bill, containing huge increases in fines for breaching the provisions, when it resumes at Gordon House, this afternoon.
The Jamaica Observer recently reported that up to 3,000 per cent increases in some fines, including for illegally obtaining fish, are among the highlights of the Bill, which is seeking to amend the present Fishing Industry Act.
Minister of Labour, Social Security, Agriculture and Fisheries Derrick Kellier tabled the Bill in the House of Representatives in mid-June.
It aims to amend section 23 of the current Fishing Industry Act, by increasing the maximum fine for illegally obtaining fish from the current J$1,000 to J$3 million. Similar increases have been included for unlawfully removing, taking away or having in possession any boat, fish pot, nets, or other fishing equipment belonging to some other person, as well as for destroying, damaging, displacing, or altering the position of these items.
Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis has insisted that there has been very little response from fishers, regarding the need to become licensed under the Fishing Industry Act. In her most recent audit of the industry, she reported only a marginal increase in the number of licensed fishers and fishing vessels operating in Jamaica, since her first audit in 2008.
The second audit showed that, at March 2014, there were 21,937 registered fishers, but only 3,091 or 14 per cent were licensed. In addition, of 6,411 fishing vessels registered, only 105 or two per cent were licensed.
2013 Jamaica Observer