The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change has announced that the Sea Turtle Fishery will be closed as of Thursday January 1, 2026. All harvesting, sale and consumption of sea turtle meat must cease by end of day on Wednesday December 31, 2025.
The law prohibits the harvesting, sale, purchasing and consumption of sea turtles during the closed season; this includes the whole, any part or its by-products (meat, shell or other parts). The closure coincides with peak periods when sea turtles are reproducing and is established to allow the animals to mature and revive their population. As such, non-compliance with the closed sea turtle fishery may result in the extended closure.
The Department of Fisheries is appealing to the public, fishers and vendors to adhere to the closed fishery regulations and report to the Praedial Larceny Unit, Marine Police, nearest Police Station or the Department of Fisheries anyone known to be in possession of sea turtles or its by-products. Anyone found in possession of a sea turtle, whole or any part or it’s by product is liable to a maximum fine of EC$5000 as stipulated under the Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15.