The reef/Poachers

[Shaggy]

I'm hoping too that they will realise the potentail benifits protecting and improving the reefs will do for the whole area. Now that the jet skis are gone, this is the perfect opertunity to start restoring the reefs. We used to enjoy the reefs there but over the years saw them going down hill and being that we have snorkled in some very nice protected reefs and the virgin islands and Belize we find it difficult to see whats been happening to negrils reefs. That being said, we do not want to discourage anybody from going out to the reefs, What we do need is more ppl that want to protect and inhance them to visit them and to give your inputs on things that will help the reefs . There are some very good glass bottom boat guides who feel the same about protecting the reefs and I garrentee you they worry about the reefs too , not just because they make a living off of taking ppl out to them, Yes it is their living but they are out there every day and have seen the slow decline.

[Mtig]

We have been disappointed but I am attempting to raise awareness because of what our friend and glass bottom boat capt has told us. It is how he makes his living as well as many others up and down the beach. From our perspective, the police, both on the beach and in the boats just don't seem to pay any attention to the activity. I have witnessed both country country and idleawhile purchase conch and very small fish from the poacher in the white kayak

[ljbd]

Put a bounty on lionfish. although beautiful they are invasive and not from the Caribbean. they will eat most of the other fish if given a chance. they also tastes pretty good. this would be an incentive for the poachers to hunt them out. hopefully giving the rest of the fish a break. beware spines are very poisonous.

[Mtig]

They kill them all the time. They take every conch in their path, every fish including lion fish, every lobster no matter the size and even turtles when they come across them. Out of ten lobster it would be lucky if one (1) of them were large enough to take. If you snorkel out from the beach to where the grass begins, there are piles of dumped conch shells. They are everywhere. It's all they know and when no one bothers them it's just a regular day at the office.
It's up to the officials of negril to notice there is a problem and to take action. The police stroll up and down the beach, usually looking for some shade, without earning a nickel of what they are being paid for. The marine patrol is no better. These poachers are out there every single day and their boats are filled.

[juls]

In Ambergris Caye they have a Lion fishing contest..and I was surprised at how many Lion fish they can catch..After the contest they clean em up and have a fish fry...Seems like one good way to get rid of those fish! And a couple of years ago it appeared they were going to be shipping the lionfish to somewhere in the states...I think Minnesota... to a restaurant that wanted them..Not sure if it all went thru but that would also help..