Court action is expected to be taken after commercial fishers were suspected of fishing illegally in seasonally protected areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs said today.

The announcement came with a reminder that grouper boxes — critical zones for black grouper aggregations — remained closed to fishing until December 1.

A statement explained that the sites were off-limits to commercial and recreational fishing to protect the clusters.

It said: “While fishing around red hind aggregation areas resumed in August, it is essential to note that black grouper areas require a more extended closure period due to this species' longer reproductive season.

“This reminder follows recent incidents where three commercial fishers are suspected of illegally fishing within these seasonally protected areas.

“These matters are currently under investigation and it is anticipated that the individuals will be brought before the courts.”

The home affairs ministry said that equipment provided by the UK Marine Management Organisation under the Blue Belt Ocean Shield Programme had “bolstered enforcement efforts and contributed to these interceptions”, which were made by the Coastguard and the marine enforcement section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with assistance from DENR's marine resources section and the Maritime Operations Centre.

• For more information about fisheries regulations, contact DENR’s marine resources section on 293-5600 or e-mail fisheries@gov.bm