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Orange_Burst said:
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jboothe said:
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Warlock said:
Remember for non belongers its illegal to harvest conch...


I have seen this stated here several times. I am not disagreeing but where is this stated? Everything that I have been able to find is that you have to get a license then follow the applicable laws. For conch it appears the season is closed from August 15th - October 31st. I haven't been able to find anything on non-BVI resident laws or regulations.

http://www.bvidef.org/1/index.php/fisheries-resources/closed-season-schedule

https://www.laststopsports.com/LSS_Files/A_BVI_Guide_to_Recreational_Fishing.pdf

http://www.bvitourism.com/sites/default/files/upload/Fishing_Season_Guide.pdf


Look at your last link, about half way down it states "Visitors are not allowed to catch any of the following:"

conch are listed as one of these.


Thanks Colleen. I did see that and that's one of the reasons I posted it. I guess what I don't understand is that there is nothing on any of the official BVI gov't sites that say anything about this. Out of curiosity I did send an email to the Conservation and Fisheries Department. Waiting to hear back. They do have a lot of good info on their website but nothing that I would consider regulations concerning size, number, etc. It's very generic. Can't have more than 30lbs of fish per boat, types of fishing licenses, etc.

http://www.bvidef.org/1/index.php/fisheries-resources/bvi-fishing-licences

This is about as specific as it gets:

PLEASE NOTE:

While visiting the BVI and having any interest in fishing in the BVI, one should contact the Conservation & Fisheries Department.

In situations where persons visit the BVI for only a short period of time and are interested in fishing, a fishing permit may be granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour and this permit is valid for one month at the cost of $45.00 (US). Applications for a fishing permit should be made no earlier than two (2) before the intended date of arrival into the BVI. For persons desirous of applying online please comple and submit the relevant application below along our Credit Card Authorisation Form.

The permit does not include catching fish for sale but catching fish for one’s personal use not exceeding thirty (30) pounds.

It is ILLEGAL to fish in the BVI waters without a valid fishing license or permit granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour. Any one witnessing the practice of illegal fishing activities in the BVI waters should either contact the Royal Virgin Island Police Force or the Conservation & Fisheries Department immediately.


It is ILLEGAL to catch the following during Closed Seasons:

1st January – 31st March Margate Fish (haemulon album)
1st January – 31st March Red Hind (epinephelus guttatus)
1st March – 31st May Nassau Grouper (epinephelus striatus)
1st April – 30th November Marine Turtles
31st July – 31st October Lobsters
15th August - 31st October Queen Conch (strombus gigas)
15th August - 31st October Whelk (cittarium pica)