collecting in the US Virgin Islands?

[twist of lime]

It looks like for spring break this year I will be going to the US Virgin Islands. We are going to do the island hopping, so I will be diving in St.Croix, St.John, and St.Thomas. I was wondering if you're aloud to collect fish and ship them back to a freind near were you live? He would take care of the fish until I get back to take care of it.

 

[philter4]

I don't know specifically for the virgin islands, but in the bahamas you need to get a fishing license and you are allowed 5 aquarium fish. If you are cruising the cruise line will not allow you to bring the live fish on the ship, and there are very stiff penalties for smuggling even if it is only a few aquarium animals. As long as you are not trying to get any CITIES animals in you will be fine. There are no CITIES fish, but all corals are on appendix II for which you need permits from the country of origin and you have to have them inspected here.

Just remember there are no fish worth going to jail over so follow the laws, have fun and good luck!!!

 

[baldomero]

its only illegal if u get caught lol

 

[fishome25]

I contacted the bahamas government and they said it is ILLEGAL to collect aquarium fish from the bahamas. even with a fishing license. I'm not saying this because I'm against it, I'm saying because I wanted to do it and was rejected.

 

[philter4]

I do it every year, when we go, we go by our own boats and get a fishing license at the customs office. There, when you go in person they issue one and it includes a provision for 5 live fish, ie aquarium fish. I have never asked to see the fishing rules, but when you pay for your day fishing pass it is on the paperwork.

 

[fishome25]

I really wish I could find that in writing to show an official. this is an email back from the bahamas fisheries.

I sent:
I understand that there is a limit of 5 ornamental fish collected. Where can I find regulations stating all of the restrictions on fish collecting.
Thank You

they replied:

Dear Mr Tom D,

Reference to your e-mail of 5th December, 2008 on the above subject matter.

Please be advised that the collection of five (5) ornamental fish is no allowed and is illegal in The Bahamas.




Department of Marine Resources
P. O. Box N 3028
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel 242-393-1777
Fax 242-393-0238

 

[fishome25]

I wanted to get actual restrictions back from them b/c I know it is illegal to catch fish using scuba.

 

[philter4]

Fishome25, it is illegal to spearfish using scuba, but not to catch fish. I didn't go last year, maybe the rules changed but what I would do is if you are going there get a license for yourself, I've found that more people don't know the rules then do but once you are there they have people who knows.

 

[fishome25]

I did a survey along with the REEF organization for lionfish. In the bahamas, the Bahamas government was involved with it. They made a special exception for lionfish since they are invasive, and they allowed us to catch them using scuba.
I guess its harder for you to get caught or inspected since you are on your own boat, but even I was misinformed there are more than a few officials that will say its illegal, be careful.