Fishing and Hunting Seasons – Lobster, Queen Conch and Game Bird

The GOJ has created conditions for the preservation and conservation of certain wildlife that are often considered delicacies among Jamaicans. The Queen Conch, Spiny Lobster and a variety of game bird can only be caught within the open season. The National Environmental Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) are mandated to enforce the regulations surrounding open and close seasons.

Lobster and Queen Conch

The Spiny Lobster season is closed from April 1 to June 30. During this time, it is illegal to catch, buy, or sell lobster. Possession of lobster during the close season is strictly regulated. Individuals or entities with lobster in stock must declare their inventory to the NFA by the end of close season – March 31. The declared stock can be sold or processed within the first 21 days of the close season. Otherwise, possession is illegal.

Additionally, catching ‘berried’ (egg-bearing) or undersized lobster is prohibited year-round regardless of the open/close season.

The Queen Conch is another species with a designated close season which runs from July 1 to October 31 annually but may be extended as needed. During the close season, fishing, selling, processing, or importation of Queen Conch is strictly prohibited by law even if persons possess conch fishing permits.

Fisherfolk in breach of the law may be imprisoned for up to six months.

Game Bird

Seasonal game bird hunting is a relatively popular sport in Jamaica. NEPA, with guidance from the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), provides regulations to ensure sustainable practices. Bird shooting season is declared by the authority and traditionally begins in August and ends in September each year.

During bird shooting season, hunters licensed by NEPA and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) may only shoot four prescribed birds – namely, the Zenaia Dove or Pea Dove, White-winged Dove, White-crowned Pigeon (also called Baldpate) and the Mourning Dove (otherwise known as Long-tailed Pea Dove). All other birds are considered protected species.

Hunters found in breach of the WLPA will be prosecuted.

For additional information, contact:
National Environment and Planning Agency
Address: 10 & 11 Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5
Telephone: 876-754-7540
Email: pubed@nepa.gov.jm
Website: www.nepa.gov.jm
Facebook: NEPAJAMAICA
Instagram: nepajm
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National Fisheries Authority
Address: Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
Telephone: 876-927-1731-50
Email: psecoffice@moa.gov.jm
Website: www.moa.gov.jm
Facebook: MGDJA
Instagram/X: mgd_ja