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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ReleaseNRCA
ADVISES THAT DUCK SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED IN JAMAICA
JANUARY
25,
2000 The
Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) wishes to inform members
of the public that the shooting of ducks in Jamaica is illegal under the
Wild Life Protection Act. The
NRCA has received reports of the illegal shooting of ducks in the parishes
of St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth and Clarendon.
Major shooting areas include; Caymanas Ponds and Cabaritta Swamps
to Amity Hall, (St. Catherine), Elim, Parrottee, Treasure Beach, Font
Hill, Black River Morass, Wallywash Great Ponds and Fort Charles, (St.
Elizabeth) and the West Harbour area of Clarendon. Under the Wild Life Protection Act Sections 6 (1) and 7 (i & ii) respectively, no person shall hunt any protected animal or protected bird and any person who hunts game birds during the closed season or any day other than those declared in the shooting season shall be guilty of an offence against the Act. Failure to comply can attract a maximum fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or up to twelve (12) months imprisonment. The
West Indian Whistling Duck, which is endemic to the Caribbean, is a prime
target of illegal hunters. This
bird is on the list of endangered species and should not be hunted.
Hunters are being reminded that there is no open season for duck
hunting in Jamaica. They
are also being advised that shooting in designated Game Reserves is not
permitted and many of the wetlands where shooting has been reported are
Game Reserves. The NRCA urges
hunters to adhere to these rules and regulations and avoid the risk of
prosecution. For More Information Contact: |