Page 7 - HOH

a7
local Monday 1 august 2022

Toleration policy for spearfishing extended from today

ORANJESTAD – On the 15th
of July, minister of Nature,
Mr. Ursell Arends held a
meeting with a big group
of spearfishers. During this
meeting he explained
to the group his intention
to regulate spearfishing
through legislation, instead
of completely forbidding
the activity.

According to a press re-
lease, the intention was
to introduce a new policy
starting today, 1st of Au-
gust, but the minister ex-
plained that in order to
leave enough space to
include every stakeholder
in the process, the period
of toleration policy (gedo-
ogbeleid) was extended,
while the new policy is be-
ing materialized. In keep-
ing with his promisses, Ar-
ends had the opportunity
to dialogue with stakehold-
ers – professionals, authori-
ties, fishermen and environ- Carolina, Jonathan Koole allowed to continue in a who have a permit to prac- his team heard and dia-
mentalists – on the topic of and Aby Kock. controlled manner, and in tice this activity, but under logued with the spearfish-
regulation. a way that according to very strict laws – and ac- ermen where they brought
Based on conversations the minister, can promote cording to the fishermen, forward their positions and
From the group of fisher- with stakeholders and tak- sustainability through co- these are dangerous. worries so that the govern-
men, six people were ap- ing into consideration re- operation for, among oth- According to Arends, there ment, in turn, could take
pointed to partake in the ports, agreements, treaties er, data collection. is an opportunity to use the these into consideration
sessions in order to finalize and advice, the conclusion knowledge and experi- when drafting a spearfish-
the definitive policy. The was reached, with wide Arends said to be happy ence of these fishermen to ing policy.
people appointed all prac- support, that spearfishing with the progress and col- nature’s advantage, and Arends said in a press re-
tice the activity, and this is one the most sustainable laboration, and expects to also to collect the neces- lease on the 15th of July
way can bring knowledge ways of fishing as long as be able to finish the process sary data to measure the that they will continue the
and experience from the it’s well regulated and con- to introduce legislation for impact – negative or posi- discussion together with
point of view of the fisher- trolled. responsible and efficient tive – of policy and regula- a representative group
men, to create a policy spearfishing. Currently ac- tion on our marine life and named by the fishermen,
that all involved parties “Policy is decided among cording to law spearfishing the quality of the water in to continue collaboration
can support. The people the people and with the is not permitted. The activ- our oceans. in order to reach a policy
in question are Frederick people”, Arends said once ity is taking place solely be- that both fishermen and
Quandus, Marvin Thiel, Ed- again. With the new man- cause of a policy of toler- Together with all relevant environmentalists can live
ward Dirksz, Bogdanovic agement, spearfishing is ance which allows people departments, Arends and with.q