Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, along with Commodore Floyd Moxey of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), accompanied by a team of Defence Force representatives, and Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, the Hon. Sylvanus Petty, hosted a meeting with members of the Spanish Wells fishing community on Tuesday evening, December 16th, 2025 at the Samuel Guy Pinder All Age school facility, seeking to discuss concerns about the persistent issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by foreign vessels in Bahamian waters, and the RBDF’s strategies to combat the problem.
The meeting, which grew contentious at times, saw local fishermen expressing their concerns and frustrations, regarding the depletion of industry resources and a perceived lack of effective enforcement.
Some of the key grievances and frustrations vented by fishermen in attendance included disbelief in the effectiveness of patrols, they highlighted severe resource depletion, personal danger, and concerns about internal vulnerabilities in the Bahamian fishing industry. Skepticism expressed about the RBDF’s patrol claims, pointed particularly to widespread raiding of traps (said to be up to 85-95% in some areas) during the summer months (April-July spawning season) of 2025. They also questioned the recent resurgence of Dominican vessels, after a claimed four-year general hiatus between 2020 and 2024. Internal complicity concerns were also aired, with some expressing suspicions that some Bahamian-flagged commercial fishing vessels were owned by or employed Dominicans (with Bahamian passports), who would relay vital fishing ground information to illegal poachers in the Dominican Republic, and specific vessels and individuals were named.
Accusations were made that the government was “failing the Bahamian fishermen” by not taking stronger action and by allowing an “influx” of foreign nationals into the commercial fishing industry. A threat to livelihoods, heritage and safety was communicated, with fishermen recounting instances of being shot at by Dominican poachers and warned of a potential “bloodbath” if the government failed to protect their resources. They called for stronger actions, including the sinking of illegal vessels, and increased patrols, and tackling the issue of Dominicans working in the local industry.
With respect to future engagement with authorities, fishermen stressed the need for a direct communication channel, beyond formal meetings and tip lines, to foster trust and effective collaboration.
In their presentation to fishermen during the meeting, the RBDF team shared information on their strategic enforcement plans and efforts, with technology upgrades, fleet repairs, as well as international partnerships. Describing a ‘layered approach’, the RBDF outlined their strategy of early detection, swift investigation, and aggressive interdiction. Some of the technological advances mentioned, included a maritime surveillance system, implementing coastal radars for real-time vessel detection; satellite platforms, used for detecting “dark vessels” (those not squawking AIS), though with a 4-6 hour delay; and advanced drone technology (with thermal vision, and optical avoidance) to support operations. Modernization and maintenance of the RBDF fleet was also prioritized, with four new fast interceptor vessels (40+ knots) purchased, to be strategically staged. Three larger vessels were said to have been sent to the Netherlands for full repairs, with hopes for return by summer of 2026. Aircraft were also mentioned as being operational or undergoing refurbishment for air patrols.
In terms of international partnerships, authorities said they were seeking a comprehensive maritime agreement with the Cuban government to permit entry into their waters for interdiction and to formalize intelligence sharing regarding vessels using Cuban ports. A collaboration with the US Coast Guard on intelligence as well as air/surface asset support was described, along with recent funding for radar systems by the US Northern Command. A working relationship was also said to be ongoing with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on prosecuting American vessels poaching in Bahamian waters.
Local fishermen in the audience were encouraged to cooperate with authorities by reporting sightings via a dedicated Whatsapp tip line (826-3117/8) to the RBDF’s operations command center for real-time response.
Minister Munroe, in a brief statement following the meeting, said that he and his delegation had come to Spanish Wells to specifically listen to the concerns of the fishermen, and their experience during the season so far. He noted that Dominican fishermen activity on the marine banks within The Bahamas, as well as naturalized persons and fishing vessels were concerns expressed. During the meeting, he said the team from the Defence Force had presented their strategy to guard Bahamian waters, and added, “We will continue to adapt as the bad guys adapt, because they will continue to adapt as we do, and it will be a constant process. We’ve asked for the help of these fishermen and we trust that they will continue to help us as we help them.”
Commodore Floyd Moxey, commenting after the meeting wrapped up, on why he had found it necessary to be there, said that he and the other members of the Defence Force team in attendance were there to directly hear the concerns of the local fishermen, so that they could ‘act upon them and find the correct resolution to them’.
Commodore Moxey, said that he understood that fishing was part of the lifeblood of the Spanish Wells community and the Bahamas as a whole, and that it was the responsibility of the Defence Force to protect that, and to protect Bahamian heritage. “So it’s important that we hear from them, and if we need to do some things differently, then we’re prepared to do that based on what we heard tonight.” According to the Commodore, a major takeaway was the concern fishermen had about Dominican fishermen poaching during the off-season, and more attention, he said, would be paid to increasing patrols in key areas during those times.
North Eleuthera MP, the Hon. Sylvanus Petty – facilitator of the face-to-face event, also commented, saying, “This meeting was very important. It’s been a long time coming. Our fishing industry… we have to protect it from Dominicans and from other poachers that come into our waters. This meeting was very well attended. Everybody… they were able to view their frustrations, and they were able to get some of their many questions answered.”
Briefly discussed by attendees, was also the issue of foreign charter fishing boats operating in Bahamian waters, unchecked.
Several weeks after the meeting in Spanish Wells, on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell held a high-profile press conference, to announce details of an operation, called ‘Operation Dragnet – Red Dawn 3’, where arrests were made, and a 65.4-foot fishing vessel had been confiscated.
According to the minister, investigations had revealed the two Florida residents taken into custody – and who are now facing charges under Bahamian law – had conducted illegal fishing charter trips on at least 17 occasions within Bahamian territorial waters. The investigation, said Mr. Campbell, began in October of 2025, involving intelligence-gathering, and inter-agency cooperation, in order to bring, what he described as a ‘complex case’ to a successful conclusion.
To place the matter into proper context, in terms of the impact, Minister Campbell commented, “A single offshore fishing charter of this kind typically spans a minimum of five days and is often price at approximately $45,000 per trip. These activities therefore, represent not only a serious violation of our fisheries regulation and national sovereignty, but also a substantial economic loss to Bahamian fishermen, licensed charter operators and communities that rely on the sustainable use of our marine resources.”
He added that this case was the third major foreign fishing charter investigation and vessel seizure in just 13 months. That fact, said Campbell, revealed the scale of the challenge faced as well as the determination of the government to respond decisively. Enhanced enforcement, improved intelligence-sharing and strengthened partnerships, he stated, were yielding ‘real and measurable results’.
He commended the Department of Marine Resources, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Department of Immigration, Bahamas Customs, and the Port Authority, for their professionalism, vigilance and ‘seamless coordination’ throughout operation ‘Red Dawn’. The effort, said the minister, which was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, alongside the Ministry of Finance, reflected a unified, ‘whole-of-government’ approach to protecting the Bahamas’ marine economy and enforcing the rule of law.
WildAid was also recognized by the minister for having made an important contribution with technical expertise and operational support, strengthening marine enforcement capabilities. Under the Fisheries Act 2020, said Campbell, WildAid officers have been deputized as authorized persons, allowing them to lawfully assist in enforcement actions alongside government agencies. This designation, he said, was a critical component of the country’s modern fisheries management framework, expanding the enforcement reach across Bahamian waters.
The operation also benefitted, noted Minister Campbell, from the Marine Action Partnership (MAP), a collaborative forum introduced by the Nature Conservancy and WildAid, and led by the Department of Marine Resources. Through MAP, agencies are able to share intelligence, coordinate patrols, and align enforcement strategies, ensuring a more strategic, efficient, and effective approach to marine protection, he described.
“Bahamian waters are not open to illegal exploitation. Individuals or entities who engage in unauthorized fishing activities will be detected, intercepted, and held accountable under the law,” declared Mr. Campbell.
He added, “At the same time, this government remains committed to supporting lawful, sustainable, and Bahamian-led fishing and charter operations. These industries are vital to food security, employment, and economic resilience, and they deserve robust protection from illegal competition.”
“Operation Dragnet”, said the Minister, forms part of an ongoing enforcement strategy aimed at strengthening compliance, expanding partnerships, and safeguarding the Bahamas’ marine resources for future generations.
