I went out several times with a local speargun fisherman. It was a challenge just keeping up with him snorkeling on top water as he searched from structure to structure. I could not hold my breathe long enough to do any serious spearing and not being used to the pressure on my ears 20-25 feet down, I rather enjoyed watching him do his magic as I snorkeled the surface.
I tried it in Little Bay. There were lots of fish, and it was pretty easy after a bit of practice. Having some one to show you how is ideal. While I was fishing he was checking all the holes in the coral for lobster.
Nice long gun! Just right...
Linston's Zion Hill Taxi
Captain Dave
Spear fishing is "illegal" in Jamaica. Spear fishing with a powerful "spear fishing gun" destroys coral reefs worldwide and Jamaica's reefs are already suffering. The Jamaican government is allowing only, "hand held" spears to gently pluck lion fish from it's waters. Encouraging the gun type is only going to encourage further destruction of such a beautiful and delicate part of our world. Please consider the consequences. If we make a market for it, it will never stop. There are other eco friendly ways to catch a good dinner.
We thank you.
RHP
Originally Posted by Rhodesresort
I completely agree and endorse your comment. What we did 30 yrs ago is no longer acceptable. The reef was much healthier then.
Linston's Zion Hill Taxi
Captain Dave
Captaind;
Who would have thought back then, a simple thing like fishing would have impacted the world today in such a negative way? But, it's not to late to make positive changes.
Thank you for your reply.
FYI - Net fishing is also illegal...yet I see it done quite often from my yard and through the photos of other tourists who go out with fishermen.
Rastagirl777 - Thank you for reminding us. Good news though, since the government named our bay (Samuel's Bay and Orange Bay), a National Marine Park, and with help from the National Environmental Protection Agency, we see very few boats or net fishing activity during the day. However, it still exists at night. They drag their nets across the reef and use our shoreline to pull up their catch. It takes them about 4 hours. We've seen what they catch for all that effort and it's very little. Mostly young, infantile fish. Baby Red Snapper, Parrot Fish, etc., to be sold at local restaurants and hotels. We actively encourage local fisherman to catch lion fish with hand held spears. We suggest they leave the young ones in the ocean so they can grow to maturity. Shoreline fishing along the coral reefs is also illegal. They must go beyond the reef in deeper water to fish. We don't allow our guests to fish as some even bring fishing poles with them. We strictly prohibit it.
It is going to take time to correct what we have done to our planet. Past, present and future. However, we are very optimistic. Especially, if we have people like you to spread the word.
As a lifetime mariner who's traveled all the world's seas I can only say "BUMP"
Linston's Zion Hill Taxi
Captain Dave
Well well Captiand...looks like you had it goin on!!! I see that swagger, lol
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