Dispose Of Fish Waste In Responsible Manner

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Works and Engineering is reminding the public “that all fish waste – offal, wracks, fins and heads – must be disposed of in a conscientious and environmentally responsible manner.”

A Government spokesperson said, “For locally caught fish, options include disposing of the waste directly into the marine environment, which will contribute to the food chain, or freezing it to use as bait or chum on your next fishing trip. Excess fishing bait must be disposed of in the same way.

“The exception to this rule is Lionfish. Because of the toxin in the spines of lionfish and the risk they pose to swimmers, Lionfish must be disposed of in deep ocean water or sealed in a puncture-proof container and delivered to the Tynes Bay Public Drop-Off, which is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.

“Imported fish products that were not previously cooked or frozen should never be dumped directly into the marine environment, as there is a risk of spreading diseases which could negatively impact local fish populations.

“Waste from seafood eaten at home should be sealed in a bag or container or kept frozen until your regular household trash collection day.

“Under no circumstances should fish waste be disposed of in any public waste bin. Doing so creates a health risk for members of the public, the Department of Parks staff and Waste Collections workers.

“As a reminder, dumping fish and other waste in public areas, including roadsides and the railway trail, is a criminal offence under the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987. Persons who commit an offence under this act are subject to prosecution with a first summary conviction carrying up to a $5,000 fine and up to a $10,000 fine for subsequent convictions.

“A handy What Goes Where Chart providing information on how to dispose of waste safely is available in the BTC Phone Book Blue Pages and online at the gov.bm Garbage and Recycling page.”

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Category: All, Environment, News