Levy on Exported Conch in 2011

Cabinet has approved the imposition of a levy of US$1 on each pound of conch exported during the 2011 conch season.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, at the Jamaica House press briefing, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Wednesday (September 19).

Miss Falconer informed that the Conch (Export Levy) Act imposes a duty on the export of conch, to facilitate the sustainable management and development of the fisheries sector.

"The law requires that for each conch season the rate prescribed by the Minister must be subject to affirmative resolution in the House of Representatives," she noted.

Miss Falconer further explained that the rate was not promulgated for the 2011 conch season, “as there was no increase in the rate and the Minister of Agriculture mistakenly thought that this was not necessary."

The Conch (Export Levy) Act, which was passed in 2009, is used in part to offset the cost of implementing programmes for monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement in relation to Jamaica’s limited conch resources. These programmes are expected to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.