Fishing trawlers finally exit Surinamese waters

The six fishing trawlers from Ross National Fishery NV on Tuesday left the Surinamese waters. Jerry Slijngaard, director at the Coast Guard, told Times of Suriname that the ships left under the watchful eye of the Coast Guard. “Their departure is permanent,” said the director. The arrival of these big ships had created much commotion especially among local fishermen. Several legislators had also expressed grave concern in parliament because the ships did not meet certain requirements for operating in Surinamese waters. The fishing trawlers also did not have permission of the Ministry of Agriculture, Stockbreeding and Fisheries (LVV) to operate in Surinamese waters. The owner of the ships then took legal action but the court did not rule in favor of the fishing trawlers. Slijngaard explained that the ball came into the Coast Guard’s court after it became clear that the ships did not have green light to conduct activities in Surinamese waters. Before the Coast Guard made sure that the fishing trawlers left the Surinamese waters, the crew was given the opportunity to collect water and food supplies. “The next destination of the fishing trawlers is Senegal.” Mark Lall, secretary of the Fishermen’s Collective, expressed relief after the departure of the fishing trawlers. The association had repeatedly expressed its discontent with the presence of the big ships which posed a threat to the local fishing sector. The secretary pointed out that he is cautiously optimistic because the fishing sector still has to deal with many problems.