22 Oct 2011

American Samoa man charged with using an explosive device while fishing

11:40 am on 22 October 2011

American Samoa's Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources has taken a fisherman to court for exploding a cherry bomb while fishing.

Saunoaimalo Semaia was summoned to District Court this morning and charged with utilizing an explosive device when he was out fishing on the 6th of October.

The misdemeanor charge carries a jail sentence of up to a year.

The explosion of cherry bombs kills schools of fish and also destroys coral.

The defendant pled not guilty to the charge and his next court appearance has been set for the 8th of November.