The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), under The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime and Gaming are pleased to announced the procurement of a brand new patrol vessel for placement within the government fleet.
The DECR has purchased a 32' patrol vessel to assist in increasing enforcement presence throughout the Caicos, Mouchoir and Turks Banks of the TCI. The vessel will place the DECR in a better position to detect and apprehend persons engaging in illegal activities.
“We are pleased to have this vessel added to operation, which would ensure continuous and effective enforcement of fisheries and marine laws. The sustainable management of our fish stock is important, it is with resources such as this, that we are fully capable of safeguarding our waters. I must commend the staff of the department for their efforts to date and look forward to even greater results in future” said the Honourable Minister, Mr Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime & Gaming.
The DECR currently has a fleet of five operational patrol vessels, but only one is suitable for offshore sea patrols. This new vessel significantly improves the DECR's enforcement capacity which would, in the long run, help to increase compliance and decrease illegal activity.
The DECR will host an official unveiling of the vessel on Friday, 2nd of November 2018.