The National Fisheries Authority (NFA), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, wishes to advise the public that the Queen Conch Close Season remains in effect until February 28, 2021.
This follows a scientific assessment of the Queen Conch stocks on the Pedro Bank that was conducted during October 2019. Based on the assessment, it has been determined by the National Fisheries Authority and the Natural Resources and Conservation Authority that the conch stocks have not recovered sufficiently to allow for the opening of the Conch Fishing Season in 2020.
Despite the economic challenges being experienced as a result of this closure, the NFA remains committed to the long-term sustainable use and management of our fisheries resources and will continue to work with the industry to explore alternative options for minimizing the impacts of this critical but necessary policy decision.
The Fisheries Authority wishes to remind the public that during this time, it is illegal to catch, sell or process any form of conch meat, including conch soup or conch salad.
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