ORANJESTAD — The St. Eustatius National Marine Park will be increasing the control on spear fishing. More reports have been coming in lately on this illegal activity in the waters of the Marine Park.
Those violating this activity are risking a three-month imprisonment and a fine up to 5000 guilders. Last weekend a patrol of the underwater park caught a group of six people who were spear fishing. They received a warning and the violations were reported to the Public Prosecutor. A firearms license is required for the possession of a spear-gun. The patrols on spear fishing will be carried out mostly during the mornings, the late afternoons, and during the weekends. The personnel of the park are allowed to make a report of the offence upon violation thereof. Spear fishing has negative effects on the fish population and the coral reefs.