amnesty for fishermen to tell the authorities where they have sunk their illegal fishpots.

Concern has been expressed that many illegal pots are still on the reefs indiscriminately snarling fish, but that fishermen were too scared to tell Marine Police where they were in case they were charged.

Mr. Hodgson told the House of Assembly that Fisheries wardens will not check up on the source of information about pots, which were banned in 1990, if it is disclosed before August 15.

It is hoped the amnesty will persuade fishermen to inform Fisheries wardens where the "ghost'' pots are lying so they can be removed and stocks of reef fish can grow.

He told MPs: "It has been brought to my attention that there may be numerous illegal fishpots located out on the reefs and that these are continuing to kill fish and decimate the reef stocks.

"I would like to invite anyone who has knowledge of such gear to make that information known to the Fisheries wardens whom I have instructed to make every effort to retrieve such gear without further pursuing the source of the information if such information is disclosed before August 15.

"This is, in effect, an attempt by my Ministry to significantly reduce the volume of `ghost' pots and thereby help to accelerate the process of rebuilding our reef fish stocks.'' Mr. Hodgson also revealed that he will allow two fishermen, who were fined $9,000 each for using fishpots, to apply for their licences again next year.

Roger DeCosta and Joseph Dawson, from Pembroke, had their licences for April 2000 to March 2001 revoked for illegal fishing and were fined $9,000 each at Magistrates' Court last month.

A helper, Ann Davis, was also fined $9,000 and DeCosta's boat Sheer Luck was confiscated.

Mr. Hodgson said the pair had met him to plead to be given their licences back next year.

The Minister, a former Magistrate, said the sentences were a severe deterrent for those who "plundered'' the reefs by using fishpots.

He took into account their guilty pleas, the severity of their sentences, their remorse, and the fact that their had been deprived of their livelihoods for a year.

"Having considered these matters, I have advised these fishermen that they may apply for their licences for the next period of application for fishing licences which will come into effect on April 1, 2001, and their applications will be treated without prejudice.

"I feel that by that time the punishment will have suited the crime and that justice will have been done.'' ENVIRONMENT ENV FISHERMEN FHP