For those of you who may not know, spearfishing is illegal on Bonaire.

Here's a press release from the Bonaire National Marine Park on a recent action:

STINAPA-Press release: Spearfisherman caught red handed

Friday 22-8-2003, an anonymous caller gave notice to the personnel of STINAPA of spearfish activities near the salt pans in the south of Bonaire. According to the Marine Ordinance, it is forbidden to fish in the marine park by using a speargun or handheld spear. It is also forbidden to transport a speargun or handheld spear on public ground (or water) and to have in once possession, to buy ir sell speargunned fish.

The rangers went over to the indicated place by boat and car and caught the spearfisherman in the act. He came out of the water wearing dive equipment and carrying a dive bag full of fish. The spearfisherman gave the divebag to an accomplise. The rangers have seized the bag with fish as well as the speargun. The speargun was left in the water, but one of the rangers retreived it. The speargun and fish were taken to the police.

The spearfisherman and his accomplise were picked up by a third suspect and they drove away in a silver-grey Toyota Tercel. However, the identity of the suspects are known by the police. The case will be handled by the police and the court of justice.

STINAPA, and the manager, chiefranger and rangers of the Bonaire National Marine Park in particular, wants to thank the anonymous caller. Without his help, we would not have been able to stop this illigal activity. Masha danki.

Whenever you see someone spearfishing or if you see any other illegal activities going on in the marine park, we would very much appreciate if you would contact STINAPA. You can reach us by (anonymously) calling the numbers: 717-8444 of 785-9603.

That's the way we like it...

Take only pictures, leave only bubbles...

I'm glad to hear that the laws are actually enforced.

YEAH BABY!
We saw a spearfisherman south of small wall. I thought it was our neighbor with a camera/strobe rig, we were at 60 feet starting our dive, he was at about twenty and Mary was just above us. I did understand he had a speared live fish at all until it was too late. He took off quickly when he saw us and we could not give chase, being deep and communicating.

I hope we can keep updated on this as to the punishment meted out to this wrongdoer.

Now about those rock anchors...

Glad to see someone has taken the initiative to drop a dime, as we used to say in America. Sounds like there might be more than one person working the waters, unless this is the same person spotted by Seb and the rangers on two occasions. Let's hope it is the same crew and they are caught and charged and punished. No excuse for this behavior at all.

Thanks for the posting, Jake. Carole and Joe

We did drop a dime to the head ranger, his number is in the Bonaire reporter I think.

Good show, Seb. Thanks. Carole