Statement on Illegal Poaching & Response to 15% Export Tariffs

PRESS RELEASE

Hon. Jomo Campbell
Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources
Statement on Illegal Poaching & Response to 15% Export Tariffs

February 25, 2026

Recent developments surrounding the newly imposed U.S. 15% tariffs and continued reports of illegal poaching between the Gulf Stream, which sits between Florida, Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands along with the Great Bahama Bank, have understandably raised serious concerns within our commercial fishing community and across the nation.

Let me be clear: our fishermen are not just stakeholders in an industry; they are stewards of our waters, pillars of our Family Islands, and critical contributors to our national economy. Their livelihoods must be protected.

The introduction of a 15% tariff on our seafood exports presents a direct challenge to one of The Bahamas’ most vital industries. We have immediately engaged with our international partners through diplomatic and trade channels to safeguard market access and ensure that Bahamian fishermen are not unfairly disadvantaged.

At the same time, we are exploring additional practical measures, along with diversification strategies, value-added processing, and regional market expansion, to strengthen long-term resilience and ensure that all segments of the industry remain viable.

Equally concerning are the persistent reports of foreign poaching within our waters. Unauthorized exploitation of our marine resources undermines both our economy and our national identity. Enforcement must be visible, consistent, and uncompromising. This requires strengthened maritime surveillance, coordinated regional security efforts, and clear legal consequences for all fisheries violations.

We have been doing our part with the Marine Action Partnership, along with the recent Operations Red Dawn and Dragnet, in partnership with WILDAid and The Nature Conservancy. This issue is not a political football but a national issue that we will continue to confront. Our enforcement efforts are ongoing, and we thank the public for their continued tips/reports through the BAH WildTip App as they assist us with advancing these efforts.

We are also mindful of concerns raised by flat fishermen and others as it relates to certain enforcement matters, such as illegal foreign activity. I assure the public that these matters are being taken seriously and are part of our broader enforcement review.

The Bahamas Government is standing first for Bahamians, and that includes defending our fishermen, guides, processors, and all who depend on our waters for their livelihood, while carefully considering all appropriate measures to strengthen and protect the industry going forward.

Hon. Jomo Campbell
Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources