[ReelFun]

Hello Everyone
Unfortunately this is not the way I wanted to join you but felt compelled to do so. I'm an avid reader of your mag and also a member of Classic Mako.

Yesterday some visiting sailboaters got into alot of trouble here and were arrested.

























All of this happened within the Exuma Land and Sea Park which is a protected area in the Bahamas for marine reproduction.
The Iguanas are rare Caribbean Iguanas which are on the endangered species list and are illegal to capture or comsume
The conch are undersized and therefore illegal to posses or consume and I have no idea why someone would want to slaughter beautiful reef fish.

It is people like this that spoil things for us boaters who who fish responsibly and respect our resources and nature hoping to preserve these things for future generations.
We have enough problems here trying to police illegal poaching of our food fish and now we have this. Unbelievable!!!!!

Thank You
ReelFun
Nassau

[ReelFun]

Also I forgot to mention that they were dumb enough to post these pics on Facebook

ReelFun
Nassau

[Seth]

Is there any news on what the Bahamian Gov intends to do with there idiots? It is just disgusting to see this type of BS. The enforcement in the Bahamas is usually not the strong due to limited resources, but from time to time you hear about some folks getting hammered. Bahamians themselves participate in out of season fishing and conch harvesting is getting out of control. But what you see in these pictures is terrible. These tourist deserve the full punishment. Nice reporting!

[ReelFun]

They were arrested I'm not sure yet what charges will be filed but alot of people here are outraged will post updates as soon as i get them.

I agree some locals do fish out of season but most of us abide by the laws and those who do not are fined or jailed if caught. The problem is the amount of area that has to be policed, yes with limited resources.
We are trying to conserve our fish resources we have a number of areas designated as marine sanctuaries, our Nassau grouper now is seasonal to allow for spawning periods and this is strictly enforced.
There is also a strong movement here trying to get legislature passed to ban hunting all sea turtles.

[Seth]

Originally Posted by ReelFun

There is also a strong movement here trying to get legislature passed to ban hunting all sea turtles.

That would be huge. I spent a lot of time in the Bahamas (in and around Eleuthra) and I routinely saw locals taking fish out of season and harvesting sick quantities of conch. I am glad to hear there is more support going into enforcement and advocacy. The Bahamas are a jewel and need to be preserved as best as possible. Responsible fishing is the right thing. I will look forward to hearing back from you as to what transpires with the aforementioned poachers.

[kirbychristian]

Stupid enough to post the pictures? You can tell by looking at the pictures that these aren't the brightest bulbs...

[fishyfun]

These kids are totally screwwwwed. On top of facing all the Bahamian charges which include penalties up to 2 years in jail, impoundment of their boats and permanent banishment from the Bahamas.... "Iguanas are also protected under the convention on international trade and endangered species (CITES)", according to The USA Today; Bahamas Edition and they will most likely be prosecuted by the US. Word on the street in the area is that the girl and the blonde dude were picked up... but who is the other dude eating the iguanas??! this person also needs to be arrested!!. BTW's these two stole food from a local all you can eat night which led to identification and their eventual arrest.




I don't think my images are posting...
http://forums.sportfishingmag.com/ph...php/photo/6415

http://forums.sportfishingmag.com/ph...php?photo=6414

[ReelFun]

The guy and the gal go before the courts today
Police still looking for cowboy

[ReelFun]

For violating the Wild Animal Protection Act for possession of Iguanas dead or alive they can get $300.00 fine and 6 months in prison
For violating Fisheries Resources Act they can get $5000.00 fine and 1 year in prison also confiscation of boats etc.
US Fish and Wildlife Service can prosecute also because these Iguanas are on the International Endangered Species list.

Serving time here at FOX HILL prison is something they would wish they never had to do

[kthomas]

I can't believe how disrespectful some people are. I really hope they get punished to the full extent of the law! Be made an example for other people who would consider doing such stuff.