THE National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) has threatened sanctions against persons caught duck hunting amidst reports of illegal shooting of the waterbirds in the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Clarendon and St Catherine.

"...Duck hunting is illegal in Jamaica under the Wildlife Protection Act," NEPA said in a release issued yesterday.

"Under the Wildlife Protection Act, it is a breach to hunt, injure or molest any protected animal or bird. Anyone caught in breach can be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year," the agency added.

Possession of the whole or part of the duck as well as the nest or egg is also an offence under the Act.

"Members of the public are advised to refrain from hunting ducks or any other protected animal or bird," NEPA said yesterday and urged members of the public to "report the hunting of ducks or other protected birds to NEPA by toll-free line 1-888-991-5005 or regular telephone 754-7540".