fishermen who tampered with their traps were given permission to do so by a fishing officer.

The three fishermen had their traps confiscated last month after is was discovered that escape hatched on the pots had been wired up.

But the fishermen argued that they had been given the go-ahead to amend the traps by fishing warden Dr. Brian Luckhurst at a meeting earlier in the year.

And they were backed up by 12 other fishermen at the meeting who signed a petition in support.

Two weeks ago, Dr. Luckhurst denied he had ever told the fishermen that the traps could be altered, prompting BIU President Derrick Burgess to call him a liar who was "trying to save his own butt''.

But Environment Minister Irving Pearman has passed on the petition to Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills who in turn has ordered a full inquiry into the matter.

Director of Fisheries John Barnes is now compiling a report after carrying out an investigation.

Last night Mr. Pearman told The Royal Gazette : "It's fair to say the situation is under review.

"We have received a copy of the petition alleging that the fishermen had permission to make the amendments. That's not a view that I personally subscribe to, although I am not involved.

"Any allegation against a public officer has to be dealt with through the head of the Civil Service and, if he feels there's sufficient reason, there is then a full investigation.'' Mr. Pearman said it was far too early to predict the outcome of the inquiry and refused to speculate on any possible compensation package the fishermen would be entitled to if they won their case.

But the fishermen themselves believe that the inquiry will be nothing more than a whitewash held behind closed doors.

Alan Bean said: "I think this should be done by somebody independent rather than by the Director himself -- Mr. Barnes is part of the problem.

"We have already contacted a lawyer and we will be seeking one hundred percent compensation. I would love this to go to court.

"I estimate I've lost about $15,000 since the ban. The thing is it was such a privilege to be given a licence for lobsters. I started smiling at Christmas because I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel but now I can't pay any bills.'' Meanwhile, Mr. Pearman yesterday announced a number of ammendments to fisheries legislation which he claimed would give legitimate fishermen more protection.

It is now an offence for a vessel not to stop when called on to do so by a fisheries inspector and wardens can now seize illegal pots even when they are not being used.

And a further change means that only lobster trap licence holders can legally sell their catches to local dealers and restaurants.

"The intent of this legislation is to better manage Bermuda's marine resources by providing legitimate harvesters of fish and lobsters with additional protection and by helping to facilitate the work of the fisheries staff so that they would be better able to liaise with fishermen and the general public,'' Mr. Pearman said.

FISHERMEN FHP ENVIRONMENT ENV UNIONS UNS