Currently, the season for lobster is closed until later in the year, June 15. That is why when patrolling fisheries personnel found four persons onboard a vessel with 132 whole lobsters, the four were detained. Hampton Gamboa, Supervisor of the Conservation/Compliance Unit at the Belize Fisheries Department says that fisheries officers were conducting a routine patrol from Twin Caye in the South Water Caye reserve on Sunday, March 29, 2020. On their way to Belize City, they came across a fishing vessel near the reef. The officers made the decision to search the vessel and that is when a high-speed boat chase ensued. While the vessel attempted to dodge the fisheries officials, they threw two crocus bags overboard but those bags were retrieved by fisheries personnel. They then finally caught up to the vessel where Derek Gorosica, the captain, and three others were found. Those persons include Paola Colman, Kaliherb Blanco, and Leon Joseph.
The group was taken to court on Wednesday, March 31, 2020 where Blanco pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of lobster during the closed season. Gorosica, however, also remained detained for an outstanding fisheries fine from a previous offence. The Fisheries Department had also requested the seizure of the vessel, an unlicensed 25-foot fiber glass vessel, which was granted by the court. According to Gamboa, an administrator and prosecutor are reviewing the case to determine if the licenses of these persons will be suspended or revoked for a period.
According to Gamboa, these patrols will continue during the national State of Emergency (SOE).
