SIX men who pleaded guilty to fishing using explosives in Small Gela, Central Islands, this year were given various fines in the Tulagi Magistrate’s Court early this week.
Albert Molkin Jack, 48, who was the one who actually threw the explosives was fined $800.
His co-accused, Silas Hauge, 36, and Leonard Dara, Sam Dara, Allan Rongodika and Joseph Baura were each fined $500.
This was because they did knew those fish were dynamited and yet involved in the act of collecting the fish.
The men however, said this was their only means of earning income for their family needs.
Principal Magistrate Emma Garo, when imposing the fines, told the men that they are all matured enough and should have known good from the bad.
The offence, she said, is a common practice in that area and many people have already been fined for using explosives to fish.
She explained to the men the law stops this kind of practice because it can damage the environment and the people.
“And even worse dynamite fish is dangerous for human consumption.”
The men were warned that if police confiscate their canoes and engines they could be forfeited to the state.
Nigel Galo of the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the accused.
By ASSUMPTA PIVA
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