BVI Guide to Recreational Fishing
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PROHIBITED FISHING METHODS POINTS TO NOTE: In the BVI it is illegal to use or carry onboard a fishing vessel any spear gun, self-contained For recreational fishing, Local and Foreign GUIDE TO underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving vessels are required to have a Certificate of equipment, explosive, poison or other noxious Registration and Fishery Licence to be used in substances for fishing or harvesting of marine the BVI. RECREATIONAL products in the fishery waters. Fishing Licenses are processed by the FISHING Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent Conservation and Fisheries Department in of the law. There is a maximum fine of Fifteen Road Town, Tortola. Contact 1-284-468-2700. Thousand Dollars ($15 000.00) for this violation. A temporary pleasure fishing licence, which is valid for one month, may be obtained for a fee WHAT IS PLEASURE FISHING? of (approx.) $45.00. Pleasure fishing is when one or more persons Application forms may be requested and on a vessel keep the fish caught for personal returned via fax (1-284-468-2781) or email consumption. Pleasure fishermen typically utilize ([email protected]) and must be accompanied by a rods and hand-lines for amateur angling. copy of a valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license). (For personal consumption, there is a maximum retention of 30 lbs of fish per boat) WHAT IS SPORT FISHING? Conservation and Fisheries Department Government of the British Virgin Islands P.O. Box 3323, Road Town, Tortola, Sport fishing is when one or more persons on a British Virgin Islands vessel, complete with skipper, fish on a catch-and -release basis. Big game fish such as Marlin* and Tel: (284) 468-2700 PLEASURE Sail fish are typically the focus of Sport fishing. Fax: (284) 468-2781 Email: [email protected] AND *The release of caught Marlin is strongly encouraged SPORT B.V.I. FISHING Closed Seasons The British Virgin Islands is located south east of Puerto Rico. Over 40 islands, rocks and cays stretch for 182 square kilometers that boasts to be “Natures Little Secret”. Within our pristine waters are close to 300 different marine fish species which makes Recreational Fishing a joy. Margate Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 Fisheries Priority & Protected Areas Red Hind Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 Nassau Grouper Mar. 1 - May 31 Lobster Jul 31 - Oct 31 Conch Whelk Aug 15 - Oct 31 PRIORITY PROTECTED Apr. 1 - Nov. 30 Hawksbill Turtle Green Turtle Fisheries Protected Fisheries Protected Areas (or Marine Protected Areas) are reserves which serve to Moratoriums (NO TAKE) Horse Shoe Reef, Anegada Frenchman’s Cay protect and preserve the breeding grounds and habitats Beef Island Channel Taylor Bay, Virgin Gorda (and allow for the regeneration) of aquatic life. There are moratoriums on: Hans Creek, Beef Island South Sound, Virgin Gorda ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited in Leatherback Turtles The Sound, Ginger Island The Sound, Salt Island these areas. This includes (but is not limited to) the Big Reef, Peter Island Money Bay, Norman Island mooring of boats, diving, building construction and fishing. Green Cay Santa Monica Rock North Bay, Guana Dead Chest Fisheries Priority Areas are designated locations set aside for registered and licensed vessels and persons to engage in fishing. Snorkeling, diving and other Jew Fish Fisheries Priority recreational activities are prohibited. Anchorage is also prohibited except during times of storms and hurricanes. Great Harbour, Peter Island Benures Bay, Norman Island During such instances the Chief Conservation and The Bight, Norman Island West Guana Island Fisheries Officer should be immediately notified. Loggerhead Turtles Frenchman’s Cay Great Camanoe .