Copper Bank fisherman fined over three thousand dollars for undersized conch

By Aaron Humes: A bust of undersized conch at Northern Two Cayes near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll in April will cost a seasoned fisherman more than $3,000 in fines.

Benigno Lorenzo Cobb, 44, of Copper Bank, Corozal District, pleaded guilty to possession of undersized conch found aboard his vessel “Elida” on April 22, namely 41 conch whose shells did not exceed seven and a half inches in length.

Cobb told Magistrate Mannan Dennison that he judged the conch were big enough coming out of the water and doesn’t know for sure that they are not until he cleans them and takes them out of the shell, but the judge didn’t buy it.

Cobb was fined $1,000 and cost of court and separately the minimum $50 per conch for a total of $2,050. The grand total due is $3,055 due by October 31, in default six months’ imprisonment and distress – the confiscation of valuables he owns in order to pay the fine.

The conch season is closed as of May 14 and re-opens on October 1.

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