Tuna netting stirs emotions

The February arrival of a commercial fishing boat in Freeport equipped to catch tuna with a mile-long net created a huge outcry from Bahamians, environmentalists and U.S. recreational fishermen alike. Two Bahamian brothers, David and Paul Mellor, own the tuna seiner, called Pelagic I. The Mellor brothers said the ship would be used to set up an aquaculture program and the nets would not be set on the reefs but in open ocean with the netted tuna transferred to a tow tank for harvesting, thereby creating jobs for Bahamians.
After a public petition against netting was circulated, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources wasted little time in denouncing purse seine fishing within Bahamian waters. The Mellors, however, produced a letter from Fisheries Director Michael Braynen dated April 2009 stating that commercial tuna fishing with nets was legal as long as the mesh opening was a minimum of two inches.

“Having regard to the importance of sportfishing to the Tourism Industry, the Government takes the position that purse seine or net fishing will not be permitted in The Bahamas,” the ministry said in a press release in mid-February. The statement also said that adjustments would be made to the Fisheries Conservation Act to prohibit such action. On March 8 the Mellor brothers said they would appeal to the government to reconsider their operation.

Cruising notes

On the route from Rock Sound to Current Cut there are hundreds of buoys marking stone crab traps. You may have to turn to avoid running over several or risk fouling your prop or rudder. News from cruisers to Rock Sound reveals that both the Haven Bakery and the Almond Tree gift shop have closed but that the old town dock has been partially rebuilt and has ladders for you to land your dinghy. Subscription wi-fi is available in Rock Sound’s harbour for $10/day or $8/day/3days.
There is a partially submerged wreck in Salt Pond Harbour on Long Island. It is close enough to the surface and in a location to have damaged a couple of outboard motors. Mark its position at 23° 19.830’N/ 75° 07.535’ W. Explorercharts.com posts free updates for Explorer Chartbooks and lists current fuel prices throughout the island chain. Also at the website is a newly drawn chart of the Bimini Channel entrance.

Nassau Yacht Club hosts

Star championship

The Nassau Yacht Club is readying itself to once again welcome the International Star Class with the Western Hemisphere Championship commencing Monday, April 12. Races will be sailed in the area known as the Douglas Roads off the eastern end of New Providence. April 13 will see the three-race, Harry Knowles series sailed as a warm-up. Much anticipated is the promise of a brief return to the course by legendary Bahamian sailor Sir Durward Knowles, now in his 94th year. Currently Commodore of the International Star Class Racing Association, Sir Durward has the distinction of being not only a past Star Class World Champion, but also an Olympian, winning Bronze in 1956 and Gold in 1964. Championship dates are April14-17.

Abacos Beach Resort

to host many tournaments

As the fishing season casts off, few other places will offer such an exhilarating and varied tournament roster as the Abacos. The season begins April 14-17 with the launch of the inaugural All-Release Boat Harbour Billfish Challenge. The Challenge is dedicated to billfish conservation, and will raise money for the Marsh Harbour Fire Department. From May 25-29, a surprise awaits with the Abaco Beach Resort Classic. Come Memorial Day Weekend, fireworks will launch the Abaco Beach Resort & HMY Billfish Blast, May 31-June 4, a top-ranked tournament of camaraderie and competition. HMY Yacht Sales works in cooperation with Abaco Beach Resort for this exceptional tournament. Check AbacoBeachResort.com for details.