National

1500lbs of Nassau Grouper Seized

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Authorities are now investigating three occurrences within a few weeks where local fishermen were caught catching Nassau grouper out of season.

Published

3 months ago

February 19, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Authorities are now investigating three occurrences within a few weeks where local fishermen were caught catching Nassau grouper out of season. 1,500 pounds were confiscated in one instance, yet we are learning no prosecutions followed.

Berthony McDermott reports that one local fisherman believes the closed season is simply too long.

A sting operation leading to more than 1,000 pounds of Nassau grouper seized by the Department of Marine Resource, according to Marine Resources Director Gregory Bethel.

Bethel says no one was fined or charged in this case, but that’s not all. He also revealed another 400 pounds of Nassau grouper was seized from two fishermen in Long Island.

Bethel says an undetermined amount of the illegal catch was also seized from locals in Andros.

Government has long imposed a seasonal restriction on fishing Nassau Grouper, mandating they not be captured between December 1st and February 28th.

We spoke to several fishermen about the regulation.

While one expressed sympathy for the Family Island fishermen, another said the closed season is simply too long.