The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has hauled some 19 persons before the courts for breaches under the country's environmental laws.

Executive Director of NEPA, Peter Knight, told members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee this morning that the cases are now in the Parish Courts.

Knight indicated that there was the need for amendments to the environmental laws to impose more stringent fines on persons who have been convicted for violating the laws.

At present, the maximum fine under the Natural Resources and Conservation Act is $50,000, while persons who breach the Wild Life Act can be fined a total of $100,000.

Knight is of the view that the fines should be dramatically increased to millions so that they can be more prohibitive.