May 24, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
What Is Happening And When:
NOAA Fisheries reminds the public of the upcoming seasonal prohibition on fishing for or possession of queen conch on board a fishing vessel.
- This annually recurring prohibition will take effect at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2021.
- The queen conch harvest season will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 1, 2021.
- The closure applies in federal waters east of 64°34′ W longitude, including that portion of the Lang Bank area falling within those federal waters (see map below).
- Remaining federal waters are closed year-round to all fishing for queen conch.
- Possession of queen conch in U.S. Virgin Island jurisdictional waters (0-3 nautical miles) is prohibited June 1 through October 31.
- Possession of queen conch in Puerto Rico jurisdictional waters (0-9 nautical miles) is prohibited August 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.