Fishers Urged to Comply with Sea Cucumber Close Season from March 1 to August 31

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is urging fishers not to fish for sea cucumbers during the close season, which runs from March 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026.

Persons caught in possession of, fishing for or selling sea cucumber during the close period can be fined up to three million dollars or face imprisonment for up to two years.

Sea cucumbers are echinoderms related to sea urchins and starfish, that live on the ocean floor in various marine environments from shallow waters to depths of 100 metres.

A statement from the NFA said commercial interest in sea cucumbers is increasing.

“Jamaica has experienced increased interest from both locals and foreigners seeking to harvest sea cucumbers for Asian export markets. The Caribbean region, including Jamaica, contributes a small but significant production from both formal and informal trade channels,” the statement said.

As part of efforts to safeguard and ensure the sustainability of the sector, the Authority has implemented the close season to facilitate the restoration of the sea cucumber population.

Sea cucumbers play a crucial ecological role, including mixing sediment (bioturbation) or recycling organic materials and serving as prey for other species. They typically inhabit sandy areas mixed with seagrasses, corals and other habitat types.

For more information persons may call 876-579-5910, 876-967-2081 or 876-948-9014. They can also email, fisheries@nfa.gov.jm or visit the NFA’s office at 2C Newport East, Kingston 11.

The NFA is a statutory body, established by the Fisheries Act, 2018 with the responsibility for the management, development and conservation of fisheries.