![]() Ergo, no excuse for ignorance of the law. With permits, however cumbersome they may be to obtain (though it sounds as if the lodges and island administrators will be able to issue them easily enough), the permit holder will be given a copy of the fishing regulations and be responsible for following them. Even with a cruising permit, which clearly states the rules, they have no excuse and cannot plead ignorance to our laws. Many catch sharks for "fun" despite there being a ban on shark fishing - often with macho posing photos all over Facebook! I just saw photos yesterday of visitors in our Exuma Land and Sea Park (a 100% no-take zone) who were caught with undersized conch, crawfish speared out of season and several bonefish - all of which are prohibited. Very few follow the catch limits, or fish the prescribed distance from shore. In fairness, we don't do a very good job of educating or making visitors aware of what they can and cannot do. Nearly every day I see either firsthand or hear about visitors breaking our fisheries laws. The fees are not out of line with those charged in other countries and will serve to control and educate our visitors on our fisheries laws. After a while, visitors (and local vendors) will realise that this is a requirement and act accordingly. ![]() Enforcement will be an issue at first, but if our government truly mean it, they will have to find a way to enforce the law. ![]()
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