A Commercial Fishing License may be defined as a license issued to local fishermen on a basis in which the fishermen catch fish to sell as a mean of surviving.
This type of license is only granted to a person who can provide proof of residential status.
It is unauthorized for a foreigner or foreign fishing vessel to fish commercially in the British Virgin Island waters without permission from higher authority.
Commercial fishing consist of methods such as: • Fish traps/pots • Seining • Hand-line • Fishing rods
Fish commonly caught may include: Trigger fish, Yellow tail, Red Hind, Doctor fish, King fish, Hard-nose, Angel fish, Parrot fish, Nassau Grouper, Shellfish etc.
If granted by the Minister of Natural Resources & Labour, a Commercial Fishing License is valid for one year.
BIG GAME/SPORT FISHING LICENSES
A Sport Fishing License is a license granted to Fishermen who escort mostly tourists on a fishing expedition. This type of fishing is usually carried out by Foreign Sport Fishing Companies and local fisher-persons.
The majority of persons applying for this type of fishing license are foreigners. These foreigners mostly migrate from the surrounding islands e.g. U.S Virgin Islands.
The BVI is known for it’s wealthy fishing banks such as: • The North Drop • The Sea Mount • The South Drop
The method used in Game or Sport Fishing is the use of a Fishing Rod/Reel, which can be termed as TROLLING.
This type of fishing yields a more prosperous catch. During the year 2000, the USVI economy generated over 80 million dollars from conducting fishing excursions in the BVI waters. However, when these fishes are caught during these excursions, the boats then return to St. Thomas where a market will be made available.
Species commonly caught includes: Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, King Mackerel, Swordfish.
It is ILLEGAL to have more than thirty pounds of fish by weight in one’s possession per boat.
If granted by the Minister of Natural Resources & Labour, a Sport Fishing License is valid for one year.
PLEASURE/RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSES
A Recreational Fishing License is defined as a license granted to a person who catches fish on a catch-and-release basis. Visiting tourists usually conduct this type of fishing activity.
Areas where this type of fishing may occur are called “FLATS”. Flats are situated behind reefs and near mangroves with large portion of seagrass beds.
The gear used to catch these fishes is called a “FLY ROD”.
Fish commonly caught may include: • Bonefish • Tarpon • Snook
It is ILLEGAL to have in one’s possession billfish such as Blue & White Marlin, Sailfish and Sword Fish. It is also ILLEGAL to have more than thirty pounds of fish by weight in one’s possession per boat.
If granted by the Minister of Natural Resources & Labour, a Pleasure/Recreational Fishing License is valid for one month.
PLEASE NOTE:
While visiting the BVI and having any interest in fishing in the BVI, one should contact the MNR&L or the Conservation & Fisheries Department.
In situations where persons visit the BVI for only a short period of time and are interested in fishing, a fishing permit may be granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour and this permit is valid for one month. The permit does not include catching fish for sale but catching fish for one’s personal use.
It is ILLEGAL to fish in the BVI waters without a valid fishing license or permit granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour. Any one witnessing the practice of illegal fishing activities in the BVI waters should either contact the Royal Virgin Island Police Force or the Conservation & Fisheries Department immediately.
It is ILLEGAL to catch the following during Closed Seasons:
1st January – 31st March Margate Fish (haemulon album) 1st January – 31st March Red Hind (epinephelus guttatus) 1st March – 31st May Nassau Grouper (epinephelus striatus) 1st April – 30th November Marine Turtles 31st July – 31st October Lobsters 15th August - 31st October Queen Conch (strombus gigas) 15th August - 31st October Whelk (cittarium pica)
Please select from the following Fishing Applications and Registration Forms
For further information on the different types of fishing licenses issued in the BVI please contact:
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Government of the British Virgin Islands Central Administration Complex Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands
