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Department Of Marine Resources Opening Of The 2023/2024 Crawfish Season

Wed, Jul 26th 2023, 01:07 PM
Animals/Pets Caribbean News Environment

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
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