THE closed season for the queen conch will begin on Thursday of next week, August 15, and end on February 28, 2025.

In a release on Tuesday, National Fisheries Authority (NFA) noted that the closed season coincides with the peak breeding season of the queen conch, as this allows them time to freely mate, mature, and revive their population.

During the closed season it is illegal to possess, buy, sell, offer for sale, process or import any conch products or by-products.

Individuals must file a declaration in writing to NFA within the first 21 days of the commencement of the closed season. The first 21 days end on September 4.

The declarations can be sent to NFA by e-mail at
compliance@nfa.gov.jm and must include:

* The declarant’s name and address

* The quantity of conch products or by-products in the individual’s possession

* Owner of the conch products or by-products

* Level of processing of the conch products and by-products

* Location of storage of the conch products or by-products.

“Conch legally caught prior to the beginning of the closed season, and declared to NFA within the first 21 days of the closed season, may be sold or processed up to the end of that period.

“Anyone who breaches the rules of the closed season commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to $1 million or up to one year in prison.

“I am urging our fishers and fisherfolk to comply with the laws governing the closed season [so as] to avoid a fine or prison time. The closed season is part of our efforts to protect our marine species and to build a sustainable fisheries sector,” said chief executive officer of NFA, Dr Gavin Bellamy.