Tougher sentences for people caught in possession of species under conservation |12 December 2012

“It is high time people realise that nobody is above the law and I will spare no effort to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” said Minister Rolph Payet after a substantial amount of turtle meat was discovered in a boat – the Charitha – seized by the National Drugs Enforcement Agency (NDEA) last week.

Around 150kg of meat was seized which is believed to be turtle meat. Minister Payet says next year his ministry will heighten its campaign aimed at creating more awareness on the need to conserve marine turtles and other species.

“People are becoming bolder in their illegal activities and it is high time for harsher punishments for those caught poaching and in unlawful possession of species,” added Professor Payet.

“We cannot allow a few irresponsible persons to tarnish the reputation of Seychelles as a leading country in conservation and jeopardise the fragile ecosystem of our endemic species, which a lot of us have worked hard to protect,” said Minister Payet.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy would like to thank the police, NDEA and the Attorney General’s office for their efforts deployed in helping reverse the ongoing activity of turtle poaching. The recent case is still being investigated by the police and the ministry is hoping for a tough sentence which will send a clear message to poachers: zero tolerance to poaching of protected species.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy is redoubling its efforts and is encouraging members of the public to call the green line and report any suspicious behaviour involving turtle meat and other forms of poaching.