DNER rangers find 2 dozen illegal crab traps in Humacao reserve

By The Star Staff

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced Monday that members of the agency’s Ranger Corps have seized about 25 crab traps in the Efraín Archilla Diez Nature Reserve in the Punta Santiago area of Humacao.

“Crab fishing in Puerto Rico’s nature reserves is strictly prohibited,” Quiles said in a written statement. “During a routine inspection of the area on Sunday, Ranger Corps personnel discovered around 25 traps, some quite large, containing dozens of crabs. This is completely unacceptable and should not occur again. At the DNER, we are a law enforcement agency, and illegal fishing has no place here.”

Quiles noted that the captured crabs were returned to the nature reserve, while the seized traps will be held pending the identification of their owners.

“Aquatic ecosystems require balance, which is why fishing is prohibited in nature reserves,” the DNER secretary added. “This measure is essential for developing and maintaining that balance. We thank the men and women of the Ranger Corps for their vigilance in all reserves. Actions like yesterday’s and their prompt intervention help ensure the preservation of our natural resources.”

Law 278-1998, known as the “Puerto Rico Fisheries Law,” outlines the regulations for fishing in Puerto Rico, as does Fishing Regulation No. 7949, established in November 2010 by the DNER in alignment with existing laws.

While there are regulations regarding certain types of crab fishing in Puerto Rico, it’s not entirely illegal, but there are specific rules and restrictions, including minimum size limits and prohibited species.