2017 – 2018 Conch Close Season begins September 1

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, Fisheries Division hereby informs the public that the 2017 – 2018 Close Season for Conch will be in effect September 1, 2017 through to April 1, 2018. During this period the fishing of queen conch is strictly prohibited by law.
Under the Fishing Industry (Conservation of Conch (Genus: Strombus)) Regulations, 2000 every licensed fisherman and every person in charge of commercial cold storage facilities, hotels and eating establishments, planning to have conch meat in storage during the Close Season for Conch must be aware of the following:
• A signed declaration inclusive of the quantity, description (level of processing) and the address where the product is being stored must be submitted to:
The Licensing Authority
Fisheries Division
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries
Marcus Garvey Drive
P.O. Box 470
Kingston 13.
• Fishers are required to submit their declarations at least seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the Close Season for Conch. Therefore not later than August 25, 2017 all declarations from fishers must be submitted to the Licensing Authority.
• Persons in charge of commercial cold storage facilities, hotels and eating establishments are required to submit their declarations within the first seven (7) days of the commencement of the Close Season for Conch. Therefore not later than September 7, 2017 all written declarations specifying the level of processing and the quantity of conch meat in possession must be submitted to the Licensing Authority.

For further information, queries can be directed to a Fisheries Officer at the Fisheries Division at 967-1601/2081 or 948-9014/6933; 923-7571; Facsimile at 924-9182; or email fisheries_jamaica@live.com or fisheries@micaf.gov.jm