Fishermen Fined for Extracting Conchs in Special Zone

Two fishermen from northern Belize were fined today after fishing in a Special zone. Fifty-seven-year-old Francisco Chan and twenty-three-year-old Russell Melendez both pleaded guilty to extracting fishing products when they appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Chan was found with eight-one conchs still in their shell, while Melendez was found with forty-six conch in shell. Chan was fined a total of five thousand and fifty-five dollars which he must pay by February 28, 2024 or he will face three months in prison and have his assets sold in the process called distress to cover the amount. Melendez was fined a total of three thousand three hundred and five dollars and also has until February 28, 2024 to pay or he faces the same penalties as Chan.