Caribbean Fishery Bulletin Bringing Fishing News to You
FB24-035 FISHERY BULLETIN ISSUE DATE: May 28, 2024 CONTACT: Sarah Stephenson, 727-824-5305, sarah.stephenson@noaa.gov
Seasonal Prohibition on Fishing for or Possession of Queen Conch in Federal Waters East of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands What Is Happening and When: NOAA Fisheries reminds the public of the upcoming seasonal prohibition on commercial and recreational fishing for or possession of queen conch in federal waters east of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. •
The closure starts on June 1, 2024, and applies to federal waters east of 64°34′ W longitude, which includes Lang Bank (see map below).
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Harvest of queen conch in the federal waters portion of Lang Bank reopens on November 1, 2024.
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The remaining federal waters (west of 64°34′ W) are closed year-round to all fishing for queen conch.
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Possession of queen conch in U.S. Virgin Islands jurisdictional waters (0-3 nautical miles) is also prohibited from June 1 through October 31.
Why This Closure Is Happening: This seasonal closure protects queen conch when they are spawning (reproducing) and therefore more vulnerable to fishing pressure. During the open season (November 1 – May 31), fishing for queen conch in U.S. Caribbean federal waters is only allowed in waters east of 64°34′ W longitude. Figure 1. Map showing the queen conch seasonal closure area in federal waters east of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.