“Trawlers have no more reasons to stay in Suriname”

“The six fishing trawlers of Ross National Fishery NV have no more reasons to stay in Surinamese waters,” said Mark Lall, secretary of the Fishermen’s Association, in response to the fact that the judge ruled in favor of the State. The fishing company had filed a lawsuit against the State.

“The trawlers wanted to stay in Surinamese waters but the judge has rejected that request. We already know that the trawlers do not meet the requirements of the permit and now that the judge has announced a verdict, there is no more reason for them to stay so we the fishermen would like them to leave as soon as possible,” said Lall. The Fishermen’s Association is aware of the fact that the company could lodge an appeal in order to buy more time for the boats. “Lodging an appeal would only be a delay of execution. Sooner or later the trawlers will have to leave. They are currently anchored near the coast of Suriname. Given the fact that they have been for a while, they are also hindering fishermen at sea. So we hope that things will be taken care of quickly so that they said Lall.

leave

quickly,”

Deepak Jairam, director at the Ministry of Agriculture, Stockbreeding and Fisheries (LVV) pointed out that the judge has announced the verdict which means that the Coast Guard must take action. “We have already done our part. The law is clear and the requirements are also stated clearly in the fishing permit. We also explained this to the judge and no matter what they try the answer will always be no.” At the end of May the Coast Guard had already instructed the fishing trawlers to pack up and leave. The company responded by filing a lawsuit. “If they do not lodge an appeal, the Coast Guard will take action to get the six fishing trawlers out of Surinamese waters,” said Jairam.