Confiscated seafood brings joy to the Pines

Assistant Dietician at the Pines, Elaine Thomas, and 
DOE Enforcement Officer, Ronnie Dougall, log another 
donation of conch and lobsters

Friday, February 6, 2004

Over the past 18 years, the Pines Retirement Home has been receiving various donations from the Department of the Environment's enforcement officers.

Any illegally caught seafood confiscated by the department that cannot be returned to the sea is given to the retirement home. In the past 12 months, these donations have exceeded 500 conchs, 60 lobsters and countless fish, figures which do not come close to the true tally of marine life the department confiscates annually and is able to return to the sea. 

"What makes me so proud is that we are able to make something good come out of such a bad situation," said enforcement officer Ronnie Dougall. 

"The residents at the Pines appreciate this type of food because it reminds them of meals they would be getting at home and food they grew up enjoying. The downside is that they were raised to respect the sea, yet are enjoying good food because of offenders who do not have that same respect."

The dietetic staff ensure that the residents get the most out of every donation. They make creative meals, from lobster soups to conch stews, always finding ways to please the palate. 

"Our residents would not normally be able to get this type of food because frankly, we cannot afford it," stated Assistant Manager and Activities Co-ordinator, Kim Landry. 

"We rely on community involvement and donations such as this seafood bounty so generously donated by the Department of the Environment. It is sad that these must come from people's illegal activity, but our residents appreciate it beyond measure."

To report suspected illegal activity, contact the Enforcement Division on VHF 17, dial 911, or call the Enforcement Officers directly at 926-4444, 916-4271, or 949-4222. The Department of the Environment can also be contacted at 949-8469.

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