KOROR (Palau Horizon) — A local firm has agreed to pay an $8,000 fine following a consent judgment it entered with the government.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection seized several undersized marine species at the firm’s hotel and restaurant recently.
According to the consent judgment, SS Enterprises Inc., owner of Penthouse Hotel, will pay the fine in 11 months. Further violation of the Marine Protection Act within a year would mean an additional $12,000 penalty.
Fish and Wildlife enforcers earlier confiscated seven undersized coconut crabs, four undersized mangrove crabs, 17 undersized bleyached rock lobsters, two undersized raiklius lobsters and three raiklius lobsters.
As part of the consent decree, SS Enterprises will post signs in English, Filipino and Palauan informing its employees about the minimum size and other requirements for seafood and wildlife.
SS Enterprises also agreed to keep a record of its seafood and wildlife purchases. It will, moreover, allow Fish and Wildlife enforcers to conduct search operation anytime without a warrant.
The Ministry of Justice said there had been similar cases involving six firms—Crystal Palace, Dragon Tei, Carp, Yum Yum, TJL & Co., and Arirang Restaurants. Fish and Wildlife have also issued several citations to individual fishermen and seized several vessels and gears for violating marine laws.
The Ministry of Justice has appealed to restaurant owners and managers to inspect their kitchens and ensure that they are not purchasing prohibited marine or wildlife species.
