#TurksandCaicos, October 13, 2017 – Providenciales – Due to the recent passage of Hurricane Irma and Maria and its impacts on the marine environment, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) advises that the start of the conch export season will not commence on 15 October 2017, but will be delayed until at least 15 November 2017.
The delay will permit DECR to meet with fishers and other stakeholders throughout Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to assess the potential impact of the recent storms to the fishing industry and stocks of conch on the banks. This assessment is a best practice and occurs regionally and internationally following the passage of any major environmental event.
Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister with responsibility for the environment noted that, “this decision was not taken lightly, we have taken into account the potential hardship over the short period that this decision could have on livelihoods, however, this decision is made with the best interest of the long term sustainability of the sector and in the best interest of our fishermen.”
In the coming weeks, DECR will conduct high level, rapid damage assessments of fishery, meet with fishers, scientific experts and fishery management members to confirm the start of the conch export season and the CITES quota for the 2017/18 season.
Please contact the department for further clarifications pertaining at Tel. 338-4170 or email environment@gov.tc . Please also visit our website to familiarise yourself with the Fisheries Protection Ordinance,http://www.gov.tc/dema.
Press Release: TCIG
