Fishermen caught with illegal conch

Seven Belizeans were arrested for the possession of illegal marine products during patrols conducted by the Conservation Compliance Unit of the Fisheries Department, over the past two weeks. A total of 420 conch, 66 lobsters were confiscated as well as a 25 foot Mexican skiff with two outboard engines. In addition to this, seven fishermen, Robert Martinez, Arthur Middleton, Davis Ramirez, Juan Avila, Percival Flowers, Calvin Robinson and Indalesio Ortega were convicted and fined a total of $10,090. The department is reminding the public that the legal size for market-cleaned conch is longer than seven inches and heavier than three ounces. The closed season for lobster is February 15th to June 14th every year. Illegal fishing can be reported to the Fisheries Department.