Media Release on Hunting Ban and Poaching Fine Increase: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Tel: (868)623-2158 ext 210 Government serious about wildlife conservation: Two Year Moratorium on Hunting in effect from October 1st 2013 A two-year moratorium on hunting in Trinidad and Tobago is among several landmark initiatives which Cabinet has approved to further protect and conserve the wildlife resources of the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of the Environment and Water Resources Senator the Honourable Ganga Singh at a Post Cabinet Media Briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday 19th September 2013. Minister Singh explained that following several stakeholder consultations which included local hunting groups, Government has developed an integrated approach to addressing the unsustainable harvesting of wildlife resources. Minister Singh said there is a critical need to curtail the hunting pressure on game species: “A two year moratorium will be placed on hunting in Trinidad and Tobago with effect from the 2013-2014 hunting season which is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2013. The moratorium will be enforced by the various agencies and the Forestry Division of the Ministry of the Environmental and Water Resources with assistance from the Ministry of National Security.” During the moratorium a critical baseline survey will be conducted to get a scientific appreciation of the country’s existing wildlife and natural resources. A review of the hunting data forms submitted by hunters has shown that the number of animals being removed through hunting has increased and more animals are being removed from an area of a specific size. In addition to the moratorium, Minister Singh revealed that the Office of Attorney General is currently reviewing the penalties and fines in the Conservation of Wildlife Act with a view to amending existing legislation: “It is envisioned that these amendments will discourage individuals from contravening wildlife regulations including the two-year moratorium on hunting.” Minister Singh added the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is in the process of developing a National Wildlife Policy to better manage the nation’s wildlife resources. The Ministry will also be collaborating with the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Food Production to develop model commercial wildlife farms as a means of ensuring that dependent citizens are not negatively impacted during the moratorium. “Our Government is well aware of the potential socio-economic impact of these measures on communities which depend upon the hunting season to make a living. However, with these new measures, those who previously made a living from killing will now be embraced by the Ministry and will be able to make a living from conserving.” Minister Singh assured citizens that the aforementioned decisions by Government are in the national interest and will certainly aid in the conservation the country’s wildlife resources for future generations. Notes to Editor Proposed increases in the penalties and fines in the Conservation of Wildlife Act: 1. The fine for hunting of any animal in a Game Sanctuary has increased from $1000 or 3 months imprisonment to $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment 2. The fine for taking a dog into a game Sanctuary for the purpose of hunting has been raised from $1000 or 3 months imprisonment to $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment 3. The fine for hunting a protected animal without a Special Game License from the Chief Game Warden has been raised from $1000 or 3 months imprisonment to $50,000 for “each animal” 4. The fine for being found on state lands under circumstances of hunting any second schedule animal under the Conservation of Wildlife Act has been raised from $400 or 3 months imprisonment and disqualification from holding a state game license as the magistrate sees fit to $50,000 or 12 months imprisonment and disqualification from holding a state game license to as the magistrate sees fit 5. The fine for carrying into state lands any gun or weapon or device capable of being used to hunt any second schedule animal under the Conservation of Wildlife Act has been raised from $400 or 3 months imprisonment and disqualification from holding a state game license as the magistrate sees fit to $5000 or 6 months imprisonment and disqualification from holding a state game license to as the magistrate sees fit 6. Hunting in the closed season without a special game license and not under the special conditions to exercise dogs in lands other than Forest Reserves and Game Sanctuaries has been raised from $2000 or 6 months imprisonment to $100,000 or 24 months imprisonment. § About the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) : The mandate of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, MEWR is to sustainably manage the nation’s natural resources in a manner to ensure that there is a balance between economic and social development while maintaining the integrity of the environment.
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 02:00:15 +0000
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