The Dominican Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Codopesca) says that the ban on the capture of larval eels (elders) will be maintained in the country’s bodies of water.
The council also urged fishermen to respect the provision in order to ensure the sustainability of the species.
Codopesca executive director, Francisco Manuel Frias Olivencia said the aim of the ban was to protect the species during this life stage to ensure subsequent abundant production.
He said that the juvenile eels are caught in the upper reaches of the various rivers of the country and other bodies of water.
“Because the reproductive cycle of the eel is very complicated, populations have been affected by overfishing of elvers, so it requires a very strict management of the species to ensure their sustainability and conservation,” said Frias Olivencia.
He said the glass eel fishing ban would remain in place until better studies have been conducted.
Frias Olivencia reiterated that: “Anyone caught eel fishing will be sent to justice and eels will be seized. You may also lose your license.”
www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/21222/dominican-republic-maintains-eel-fishing-ban