GEORGE TOWN, The Cayman Islands (CMC) — The Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved the development of new legislation to prohibit non-Caymanians from harvesting any marine life from its territorial waters, with limited exceptions for regulated catch-and-release fishing.

According to a release from the country’s Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, the proposal forms part of a broader effort to protect marine biodiversity and preserve fishing resources for Caymanians. It also includes new protections for vulnerable species that would apply to all anglers, regardless of nationality.

The proposed framework introduces comprehensive restrictions for non-Caymanians while protecting access for local fisherfolk, the release said. Currently, there are no fishing licence requirements or fees for anyone, whether resident or visitor, to fish in designated areas.

The National Coalition for Caymanians is considering measures that would prohibit non-Caymanians from taking any species at all, including fish, conch, lobster and other marine life from Cayman waters.

However, limited exceptions may be established through a licensing system that would allow near-shore catch-and-release fishing of designated game fish and offshore catch-and-release of certain billfish species.

Cayman’s Environment Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said it was important to balance tradition and conservation.

“Our marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from overfishing and climate change.

“By introducing additional restrictions, we are taking a proactive step to manage our marine ecosystem responsibly. These measures will help maintain the health of our reefs and marine life, safeguarding both our natural resources for this and future generations.”

She continued, “Initiating legislative drafting is an important step. While the legislative drafting work is underway, the Government will consult with the various stakeholders to develop the implementation and operational plans for the new regulation, including enforcement and managing visitor access through controlled catch-and-release opportunities.”

Ebanks-Wilks noted that this was just the start of the process to change the law, and no changes have been implemented yet.

The problem of overfishing has been a significant issue for years and has led to the introduction of marine parks, various restrictions and eventually the National Conservation Act.

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability will now begin a consultation period; however, the final regulations may differ from the initial proposals.

Once internal consultations have been completed, implementation will occur only after the necessary work is done, following a public consultation period and legislative approval, the release said.