The department of state for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, in line with government's effort to conserve the fish stocks of the country, has convened a strong warning agianst killing of juvenile fish species through fishing.

In a press release addressed to the Daily Observer, the department of state blamed squarely, current experience in the decline in fish stock, warning that such practice "grossly contravenes the laws governing exploitation of fish resources of The Gambia."

According to the release, Section 68 of the Fisheries Regulation 2008, sees it an offence to operate Beach Seines locally known as M'bal Lao, Fish Traps locally known as Dumbu in the fishing waters of The Gambia. It also informs the general public of a ban on the operations of Shrimp drift net, locally known as Felefele Sipa sipa, with immediate effect.

Section 63 Sub section 1 (b) of the Fisheries Act 2007, the release went on, states that a "person shall not use for fishing, possess any fishing gear or fishing appliance that has been prohibited under any notice or regulation made under the Fisheries Act. In the same vein, all fishermen are required to observe mesh size regulations as outlined in the Fisheries Act 2007. The department of state therefore calls on all fishing net importers and retailers to contact the department for details regarding recommended mesh sizes for various fishing operations.

Any person who contravenes the provisions of Sub Section (1), as mentioned above, the release adds, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding D10,000.00 (Ten thousand Dalasi) and in default of payment of the fine to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) year.

The department of state therefore requests that all mayors, governors, district chiefs, Alkalos and security forces implement these regulations with immediate effect.  Meanwhile, the department of state in collaboration with mayors, regional governors and members of the fisheries fraternity, will embark on a country-wide sensitisation on the importance of protecting juvenile fish for sustainable exploitation of the fisheries resources, the release concludes.