T&T Government Places Two Year Ban On Wildlife Hunting, Increases Penalties

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government has placed a two-year ban on hunting as it moves to protect and conserve wildlife resources, here.

“A two year moratorium will be placed on hunting in Trinidad and Tobago with effect from the 2013-2014 hunting season which is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2013,” he said.

The government said that during the ban a survey would be conducted to get a scientific appreciation of the country’s existing wildlife and natural resources.

“The data analysis from the Mandatory Hunting Return Data Forms conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Wisconsin for the 1990 to 1993 hunting seasons revealed that the catch-hunting effort relationships of the agouti, lappe, red brocket deer, quenk and tatoo had a consistent negative relationship, suggesting that the populations of these animals were being over-exploited.”

Singh said that in addition to the ban, the Office of Attorney General was now reviewing the penalties and fines in the Conservation of Wildlife Act. He said current fines and penalty regime has done little to deter the illegal activities.

As a result, the government is proposing fines be increased from the present low of TT$400 (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) to as high as TT$100,000 plus jail sentences from six to 12 months.

“It is envisioned that these amendments will discourage individuals from contravening wildlife regulations including the two-year moratorium on hunting.

“Government is well aware of the potential socio-economic impact of these measures on communities which depend upon the hunting season to make a living. However, with these new measures, those who previously made a living from killing will now be embraced by the Ministry and will be able to make a living from conserving,” Singh said.