Ascension : Major Poaching Incident at Ascension Island
Submitted by The Islander (Juanita Brock) 02.02.2004 (Article Archived on 16.02.2004)
Three vessels have been sighted off the coast of Ascension Island that were engaged in illegal long-lining for tuna. Two of the radio call-signs have been identified and therefore the country responsible for the theft.
MAJOR POACHING INCIDENT AT ASCENSION ISLAND
By J. Brock (SARTMA)
Two vessels have been sighted off the coast of Ascension Island that were engaged in illegal fishing. One vessel has regularly come closer than three miles to Ascension over the last week whilst the other has apparently remained around 30 miles off shore. The radio call sign of one ship has been identified and this will enable its identification.
Conservation Officer, Tara George, reported regular sightings since 28th January and as of yesterday, 3rd February, a vessel was still observed to be fishing less than 7 miles offshore. The vessel had been blatantly fishing in site of Georgetown over the weekend. Ms. George reports that an estimated 5 miles of long-line was observed to be 100 metres offshore and that several Green Turtles have been ensnared on them. When the thieves are identified SARTMA will name and shame them. More later.
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