The Department of Marine Resources takes this opportunity to advise the public that the crawfish season opens on Tuesday 1st August 2023 and closes Sunday 31st March 2024.

The public is reminded regarding the following:

1. The legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5½ inches.

2. Those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession.

3. Possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach, or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; and

4. A permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing.

The public is also reminded about the most recent fisheries fees amendments to the Fisheries (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Regulations that came into effect on the 1st July 2023. Some of the more notable changes for fishers include the following:

1. Permit to trap crawfish - $50.00.

2. Permit to use a compressor - $30.00.

3. Commercial Fishing License:

i. 15 ft. up to 39 ft. - $100.00

ii. 39½ ft. up to 78½ ft. - $200.00

iii. 79 ft. and above - $250.00

Fishers are also reminded of the following:

1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing be licensed by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of the department’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licensed by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business License.

2. Fishers are also reminded they can apply online via The Bahamas Government’s MyGateway platform and pay utilizing a Credit or Debit Card for any of the services required inclusive of crawfish trapping permits (new or renewal), permit to use a compressor (new or renewal), commercial fishing license (new or renewal), etc.;

3. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licensed Bahamian commercial fishing vessel; and

4. The catching, selling or purchasing of undersize or berried crawfish is illegal.

The Department of Marine Resources further reminds the public that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises.

The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources.

For further information, please contact the department via tel. nos.: (242) 393 1777 or (242) 393 1014/5

The Department of Marine Resources takes this opportunity to advise the public that the crawfish season opens on Tuesday 1st August 2023 and closes Sunday 31st March 2024. The public is reminded regarding the following: 1. The legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5½ inches. 2. Those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession. 3. Possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach, or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; and 4. A permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing. The public is also reminded about the most recent fisheries fees amendments to the Fisheries (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Regulations that came into effect on the 1st July 2023. Some of the more notable changes for fishers include the following: 1. Permit to trap crawfish - $50.00. 2. Permit to use a compressor - $30.00. 3. Commercial Fishing License: i. 15 ft. up to 39 ft. - $100.00 ii. 39½ ft. up to 78½ ft. - $200.00 iii. 79 ft. and above - $250.00 Fishers are also reminded of the following: 1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing be licensed by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of the department’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licensed by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business License. 2. Fishers are also reminded they can apply online via The Bahamas Government’s MyGateway platform and pay utilizing a Credit or Debit Card for any of the services required inclusive of crawfish trapping permits (new or renewal), permit to use a compressor (new or renewal), commercial fishing license (new or renewal), etc.; 3. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licensed Bahamian commercial fishing vessel; and 4. The catching, selling or purchasing of undersize or berried crawfish is illegal. The Department of Marine Resources further reminds the public that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises. The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources. For further information, please contact the department via tel. nos.: (242) 393 1777 or (242) 393 1014/5

Delta Air Lines is adding a new flight to The Bahamas for the winter season, from New York to Nassau. The twice-daily flight will operate weekly from December 16 and will run until April 7, 2024 on a Boeing 737-800, departing New York's LaGuardia Airport at 10:45 am and arriving in Nassau at 2:00 pm, according to website Travel and Leisure.

The new Delta route will go head-to-head with JetBlue's recently announced flight in the Bahamas market for the winter season. That airline recently announced a route from Los Angeles International Airport to Nassau, that will operate on Saturdays beginning November 4, 2023.

"Less than three hours from New York City, Nassau Paradise Island is so close, yet it feels like it is a world away, and we are thrilled that Delta is adding new flights this winter for those who are looking to escape the cold and experience The Bahamas," said Joy Jibrilu, chief executive officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, in a statement to Travel and Leisure yesterday. "New York remains Nassau Paradise Island's biggest source market, and airline partnerships such as this help continue to drive tourism for The Bahamas. We're excited to expand access to our island and look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors beginning in December in partnership with Delta."

The announcement is a small part of efforts by the airline to expand its route network from major hubs in the United States to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The airline also announced an increase from four to five flights per day from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, to Jamaica's Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay; an increase from one to two daily flights from Atlanta to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport; an increase from one to two flights each day from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, to the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana International Airport; an increase from three to four daily flights from New York to the Dominican Republic's Santo Domingo Airport; an increase from three to four daily flights from New York to the Dominican Republic's Cibao International Airport in Santiago; and an increase from two to three flights per day from New York to Mexico's Cancun International Airport.

The National Independence Secretariat wrapped up its Golden Jubilee Flag Relay when the Flag touched down on Matthew Town, Inagua July 8, 2023 – just two days before the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence and the national flag-raising at Clifford Park in New Providence.

A Flag-Raising Ceremony was held at the Matthew Town airport where residents led by Family Island Administrator Herman Gilbert, and Local Government officials, and Basil McIntosh the Member of Parliament participated in and witnessed the historic moment.

The National Independence Secretariat began the Golden Jubilee Flag Relay on May 21 – a countdown of 50 days to 50. The objective was to touch a wide-cross section of the family island communities on the islands with the Flag as a show of national pride and unity. The islands were: Eleuthera, Abaco, Bimini, The Berry Islands, Exuma, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Cat Island, Andros, Acklins and Crooked Island, Grand Bahama and ending on Inagua.

The National Independence Secretariat was represented by Lindsay Thompson, who spearheaded the Flag Relay across the country. 

Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force performed Colour Guard and Flag Hoisting ceremonial traditions. The Flag Relay ended July 9, when that same flag was hoisted at the national celebration on Clifford Park, July 10 -- ushering in the 50th Independence Anniversary. 

The National Independence Secretariat wrapped up its Golden Jubilee Flag Relay when the Flag touched down on Matthew Town, Inagua July 8, 2023 – just two days before the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence and the national flag-raising at Clifford Park in New Providence. A Flag-Raising Ceremony was held at the Matthew Town airport where residents led by Family Island Administrator Herman Gilbert, and Local Government officials, and Basil McIntosh the Member of Parliament participated in and witnessed the historic moment. The National Independence Secretariat began the Golden Jubilee Flag Relay on May 21 – a countdown of 50 days to 50. The objective was to touch a wide-cross section of the family island communities on the islands with the Flag as a show of national pride and unity. The islands were: Eleuthera, Abaco, Bimini, The Berry Islands, Exuma, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Cat Island, Andros, Acklins and Crooked Island, Grand Bahama and ending on Inagua.   The National Independence Secretariat was represented by Lindsay Thompson, who spearheaded the Flag Relay across the country.  Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force performed Colour Guard and Flag Hoisting ceremonial traditions. The Flag Relay ended July 9, when that same flag was hoisted at the national celebration on Clifford Park, July 10 -- ushering in the 50th Independence Anniversary. 

The National Independence Secretariat continued its Golden Jubilee Flag Relay-Flag Raising Ceremony on Crooked Island at the Crooked Island International Airport on Tuesday, 4 July 2023.  Family Island Administrator Preston Cooper and Local Government officials galvanized the community for the historic event. The National Independence Secretariat was represented by Lindsay Thompson.  Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force performed Colour Guard and Flag Hoisting ceremonies.  The Flag Relay ends July 9, when that same flag will be hoisted at the national celebration on Clifford Park -- ushering in the 50th Independence Anniversary in the early morning of July 10.