2024 CLOSED SEATurtle Fishery
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development informs the public that the Sea Turtle Fishery will be CLOSED as of Wednesday January 1, 2025. All harvesting, sale and consumption of sea turtle meat must cease at midnight on Tuesday December 31, 2024.
The law prohibits the harvesting, sale, purchasing and consumption of sea turtles during the closed fishery; this includes the whole, any part or its by-products (meat, shell or other parts). The closed fishery coincides with peak periods when sea turtles are reproducing and is established to allow the animals to mature and revive its population. As such, non-compliance with the closed sea turtle fishery may result in the extended closure.
The Department appeals to the general public, fishers and vendors to adhere to the closed fishery regulations and report to the Praedial Larceny Unit, Marine Police, nearest Police Station or the Department of Fisheries anyone known to be in possession of sea turtles or its by-products (meat, shell or other parts). Anyone found in possession of a sea turtle, whole or any part or it’s by product is liable to a maximum fine of five thousand dollars (EC$5000) as stipulated under the Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15. Contact the Department of Fisheries for more information at 7251722, 468 4135/ 4141.