ON January 1, the Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF), assisted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and local security companies, responded to reports of illegal gill netting by the public in the Illovo River.

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A CMTF member who remains anonymous to protect their identity said the team used technology effectively to locate the suspects by deploying a drone. This led to the apprehension of two men allegedly conducting illegal gill netting. A 150m-long net was also discovered.

“The suspects admitted to illegal gill netting, and further investigation revealed that this was the second instance of gill net placement, with the first load of fish already sold to a buyer. A total of 12 illegal gill nets were recovered from the river, along with two polystyrene rafts used in the illegal operation,” said the member.

The operation resulted in the release of four live Tilapia, as well as four dead Razorbelly scad, one mud crab, one Bartail flathead, one Blacktip trevally and three Tilapia. The suspects were charged at a local police station.

CMTF acknowledged ET Rapid Response and CCPO for their continued support during operations.

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