CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — The St Lucia National Trust (SLNT) says it is becoming “increasingly concerned” about the illegal and indiscriminate harvesting of sea urchins (chadon), particularly in the southern city of Vieux Fort.

SLNT said that some staff members on a routine visit to Maria Islands late last month came across “remnants of sea urchin shells, including young ones which were useless to the poachers, [that] were scattered on the islet’s shores.

“What is even more disturbing is that poachers have become more aggressive in their activities and do not care to target the more mature animals. The organisation has received reports of the illegal act, more so leading up to Creole Day celebrations.”

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) has advised that the sea urchin fishery is closed and that anyone caught either harvesting or having the sea urchins in their possession is liable to penalties under the fisheries legislation.

“In addition, the public should also be aware that the waters surrounding Maria Islands is a declared marine reserve or a ‘no-take zone’, meaning it would be illegal to fish, harvest or remove any marine flora or fauna from these waters.”

The SLNT said that the DOF had taken a decision to keep the sea urchin season closed this year after a survey revealed that the current sea urchin population had not recovered to the point of opening the fishery.

The SLNT said also wanted to remind the public that the Maria Islands are vested in the Trust, and anyone wishing to visit or go unto the islands must first seek approval from the Trust who would ensure that a designated officer is present for the duration of the visit.

The SLNT, through its statement is warning would-be perpetrators that they will be monitoring the areas more closely and “will not hesitate to support the enforcement of the appropriate penalties against those who insist on engaging in these illegal acts”.