Dear Source:
Gillnetting is a common fishing method used by commercial fishermen of all the oceans and in some freshwater and estuary areas. Gillnets can be very effective when used, but the use is closely monitored and regulated by fisheries management and enforcement agencies. The mesh size, twine strength, as well as net length and depth are all closely regulated to reduce the catch of non-targeted species. Most salmon fisheries in particular have an extremely low incidence of catching non-target species.
Gillnet, the name of the net, illustrates the method used to snare target fish. The fishes would try to swim through deliberately sized mesh openings but are unable to squeeze through swimming forward. Once in this position, the fishes are prevented from backing out due to the tendency for their gills to become caught. This effectively traps them.
This type of fishing is one that I am out right against especially here in the Virgin Islands and abroad, more importantly especially in the waters here on St. Croix. Yes, each and every fisherman has to make a living, and make ends meet, but it should just be done in the proper and correct way. As far as I know it is illegal to gillnet in the Virgin Islands. But Governor due to the lack of enforcement from agencies who are charged with the responsibility to protect the sea, everything is constantly over looked and this type of fishing is still being done here in the Virgin Islands. St. Croix is my home and Crucians have suffered enough hardship in life, from tourism to basic educational needs. Now we have an opportunity to use our fishes and coral reefs as a tourist attraction and we don't, we just destroy them. As previous studies show, St. Croix has half of the amount of fish that St. Thomas has, this is because of the nine gillnet fishermen who have been taking up all of our fishes.
Governor I ask that you look into this matter before we have no more fishes left in our waters and not only will this mean no jobs for fishermen, but fresh fish will become a thing of the past. As a teen and a future leader of tomorrow, I want my voice to be heard because action needs to be taken now rather than later. In closing, I trust that you will address this matter before it's too late.
Ericson M. Browne
St. Croix
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