Boat operators here are being advised by the Fisheries Division to seek the requisite permission to install mooring systems.
The Fisheries division speaks of procedures, in accordance with the Fisheries’ regulation, that need to be followed in the setting up of mooring systems.
REPORT:
In order for anyone to install a mooring system for personal, recreational, or commercial use in Grenada’s marine environment, he or she must first receive permission from the Fisheries Division to install moorings in Marine Protected Areas, and, from the Grenada Ports Authority, when seeking to install moorings in a harbour managed by the Authority.
Moreover, affixing unregistered moorings in marine protected areas and harbours can cause accidents and result in serious injury to others.
Failure to comply with the Fisheries Regulations may result in a summary conviction of a maximum fine of ten thousand dollars or a maximum of six months in prison and the removal of the mooring system.
Mooring systems are used to secure boats and other sea vessels to ensure they’re not displaced by waves, tides, winds, or storms.
The Fisheries Division is known for promoting the use of moorings being much less intrusive on the marine environment, with regard to the potential damage to the substrates in the marine environment.
Coordinator of Marine Protected Areas at the Fisheries Division, Olando Harvey, is saying that “Instead of dropping anchors over and over, it’s prudent to have one fixed mooring and the footprint of that mooring doesn’t change and the seabed is not damaged.
Well, the Fisheries Division has observed that some boat operators are not following the proper guidelines and Harvey says some people are installing a number of moorings without permission, in different bays…all-the-more reason that the public is being made aware there’s an established procedure for installing fixed moorings anywhere in Grenada.”
Harvey is saying that in installing mooring systems, several factors need to be taken into consideration, including the type of system, the size of the block to be installed and the location of the bouys to be deployed, among others.
An appeal has gone out to the boat operators to comply with the procedures and the general public is being asked to report any illegal or unregistered moorings to the Fisheries Division.
