#TurksandCaicos, November 15, 2017 – Providenciales – The general public is duly notified that Wednesday, 15 November 2017, will see the resumption of the conch season. The open season allows the export of conch and other derivatives of Conch e.g. conch pearls, conch shells, and conch shell products etc.
You are therefore reminded of the following restrictions:
- Conch shells: size restriction of a minimum of 7 inches; export of 4 or more shells requires CITES permit, of which can be applied for through the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR); and
- Conch meat: once removed from the shell, of a total weight of 8 ounces after the removal of the digestive gland.
The DECR would also like to remind all fishers, hotels and restaurants that the final day for the 2017 Nassau Grouper season will end on Thursday, November 30th, 2017.
The Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Amendment) Regulation 12 (1A) states: “The close season in relation to Nassau Grouper shall be from the first day of December to the twenty-eight day of February (inclusive) in each year or such other dates as may, from time to time, be appointed by Governor in the Gazette.”
During the closed season, any person who fishes for, purchases, or is in possession of a Nassau Grouper will be committing an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or both.
The DECR is seeking the cooperation of the public in the above matter.
Please contact the department for clarifications pertaining to the above matter at Tel. 338-4170 or email environment@gov.tc. Please also visit our website to familiarize yourself with the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, http://www.gov.tc/dema
