An official delegation from the Bahamas will return to the Dominican Republic next week for more talks on a bilateral agreement to address illegal fishing in Bahamian waters. In addition the Bahamian government will soon approve a BSD$200 million investment in patrol boats and port facilities for the Defense Force in an attempt to stop illegal fishing by Dominicans.
According to Minister Nottage, the Bahamian Defense Force will recruit another 300 marines (bringing total manpower to 1600), activate the BSD$10 million Gun Point base at Ragged Island, improve intelligence and communications capabilities, engage in regional cooperation, and acquire more ships and aircraft.
Michael Braynan, of the Department of Marine Resources, said illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing caused significant damage to the economies of many nations in terms of lost jobs, revenue, and resources.
www.tribune242.com/news/2013/feb/12/tackling-illegal-fishing/