77.8 F
Cruz Bay
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentSeasonal Prohibition on Fishing or Possession of Queen Conch to Begin June...

Seasonal Prohibition on Fishing or Possession of Queen Conch to Begin June 1

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries reminds the public of the upcoming seasonal prohibition of fishing for queen conch (strombus gigas) or possessing it on board a fishing vessel. This annually recurring prohibition will take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time on June 1 and continue through Oct. 31. The closure applies in federal waters east of 64°34′ W longitude, including that portion of the Lang Bank area falling within those federal waters. The queen conch fishing season is scheduled to reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on Nov. 1.
The only area in U.S. Caribbean federal waters where fishing for queen conch is allowed during the open season is in those waters east of 64°34′ W longitude. Federal waters surrounding the remainder of the U.S. Virgin Islands and around Puerto Rico will remain closed year-round to all fishing for queen conch. U.S. Caribbean federal waters consist of those waters extending from the three-nautical mile seaward boundary of the U.S.V.I. and the nine-nautical mile seaward boundary of Puerto Rico, out to 200-nautical miles offshore.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the information regarding the existing regulations. Any discrepancies between this bulletin and the regulations as published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.
 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.