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Press Release From Independent Source

VI Conch & Whelk Season closes August 15, 2022

Commercial fishers and the public are notified that the Conch (Strombus gigas) and Whelk (Cittarium pica) fishing season will be closed on August 15, 2022, in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations, 2003. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Commercial fishers and the public are notified that the Conch (Strombus gigas) and Whelk (Cittarium pica) fishing season will be closed on August 15, 2022, in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations, 2003.

According to a notice from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, no person shall catch, sell, offer for sale, buy, import or export any Conch or Whelk. Any person or establishment found in possession of Conch and Whelk meat from August 15 to October 31, 2022, will be charged and prosecuted in a Court of Law in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations, 2003.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries further advises all establishments and the public to use, consume and dispose of all conch and whelk meat in their possession before August 15, 2022.

Fishing activities will resume at the start of the next fishing season on November 1, 2022.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries advises the public to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone numbers 468-6123 or 468-6124. WhatsApp pictures and message information (only) of unlawful activity to 468-9901.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is a department under the Premier's Office of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Its mission is to ensure sustainable production, harvest and supply of safe, high quality food by regulating the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

11 Responses to “VI Conch & Whelk Season closes August 15, 2022”

  • apple pie (11/08/2022, 17:56) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is some left over bull from Washa days at the department he is gone and do should this!
  • Ooo (11/08/2022, 20:30) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have both of them in my freezer and I will be eaten them whenever I'm ready for them.
  • Myon (12/08/2022, 00:16) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need stricter penalties and regulations about the species of conchs whelks and the size of fish you are allowed to catch.if the government do not penalize them philliphono's look how them people are destroying things around here nobody is saying nothing to them.
  • Diaspora.13/284/360 (12/08/2022, 03:41) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Both conchs and whelks are local delicacies. However, both are in an endangered state and without more effective management, they will be harvested to extinction, moving from an endangered to threatened state. There is a tragedy of the common situation in regards to both conchs and whelks, ie, individuals can take unlimited amount, etc. The approx 3 months moratorium is not long enough to sustain replenishment. Suggest a 2 year temporary moratorium and devised a practical open season thereafter with control harvesting. The BVI needs some marine protected areas. Overfishing can result in extinction.
  • uum (12/08/2022, 11:04) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    why i got to dispose my stuff if it in my freezer? i paid for it, its mine!
  • Rasta man (12/08/2022, 19:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea man give them time to catch them self. Some people does over do it. I love that
  • hv (13/08/2022, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Haitians run whelks fishing
  • bvi (04/06/2023, 15:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Conch only reproduce when they have a colony/tribe.
    Individuals dont reproduce when the rest of the family is missing. So overharvesting is bad.


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