By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE 17 Dominicans accused of poaching in Bahamian waters over the weekend could face numerous charges when the investigation wraps up.

Senior fisheries officer Gilford Lloyd yesterday told The Tribune that officials found a number of infractions after the vessel was examined.

At press time last night, Royal Bahamas Defence Force officials said they were still recounting all of the illegally caught seafood confiscated from the vessel. They have yet to provide an accurate dollar value on all of the confiscated goods.

“So far,” Mr Lloyd said, “there are six charges. I found undersize and I found egg bearing crawfish, Nassau Groupers and undersize ones too. And the grouper fishing season is closed from December to February.

“There were also compressors and other prohibitive apparatus and a dive compressor and which is prohibited without a permit. There is also a charge of illegal foreign fishing.”

The fine for any infraction of fisheries laws is $5,000 or a year in prison.

While 17 Dominicans were caught, 33 others evaded capture after the group of 50 were spotted fishing illegally in waters near Cay Lobos.

Following the incident, Bahamian fishermen told The Tribune that they will wage a war on any Dominicans who continue to poach.

Adrian La-roda, president of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance, said Bahamian fishermen are “fed-up” and feel like the authorities are ignoring their plight, while their livelihood continues to be attacked by foreigners.