At the beginning of February this year there was news of a new type of fishing industry due to commence in the Bahamas, purse seine fishing. A boat had already been purchased and was being housed in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Bahamians en-masse came together in protest and on the 24th February 2010, the Bahamian government responded to their people with the following official statement:

The Government of The Bahamas is not minded to permit the use of purse seine or net fishing within the waters of The Bahamnas. This method of fishing could result in the possible depletion or signification reduction of the fishing stocks in Bahmian waters. Having regards to the importance of sportfishing to the Tourism Industry, the Government takes the position that purse seine or net fishing will not be permitted in The Bahamas.

Dolphins in a purse-seine net. Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Protected Resources Division.

BMMRO commends the government on its quick and responsive action to this issue.

Please download here the letter opposing purse seine fishing written by BMMRO and sent to the government on the 17th February 2010.