Fishermen who target the spotted eagle ray now face a $5000 fine or six months' imprisonment.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney said he issued a protection order for the species last week, following advice from the Department of Conservation Services.

That advice followed observations by Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) staff, that recreational fishermen were catching the rays.

Said Mr. Blakeney: "Acting so quickly on an alarming increased level of recreational fishing for the species shows foresight by the Ministry of the Environment and Sports. The issuance of this order was made possible through the hard work and overwhelming support of all parties involved."

He continued: "It is an action which will be recognised by international environmental organisations, bringing a positive image of Bermuda worldwide and setting it as an example for the wider Caribbean region."

The species is listed as near-threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Bermuda's protection order was put in place on October 6. The eagle ray has a slow growth rate it takes four to six years to reach maturity. Females only bear a maximum of four pups per litter, with a gestation period of approximately one year.

"Traditionally in Bermuda, the spotted eagle ray has rarely been eaten because of its poor quality of flesh," said Samia Sarkis of Conservation Services. "Due to their slow reproductive rate overfishing could happen very quickly and easily do irreparable damage to Bermuda's population of rays."

Large and speckle-bodied, with a wingspan of several feet, the eagle ray is often seen entering and leaving Harrington Sound. Principal curator for BAMZ, Ian Walker said, "We've had some fishing reported to us by local fishermen who have found the tails of eagle rays left on the foreshore by Flatts."