The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development informs the public that the Sea Turtle Fishery will be CLOSED as of Monday January 1, 2024.
All harvesting, sale and consumption of sea turtle meat must cease at midnight on Sunday December 31, 2023.
The law prohibits the harvesting, sale, purchasing and consumption of sea turtles during the closed season; this includes the whole, any part or its by-products (meat, shell or other parts).
The closed season coincides with peak periods when sea turtles are reproducing and is established to allow the animals to mature and revive its population.
As such, non-compliance with the closed season may result in the extended closure.
The Department appeals to the general public, fishers and vendors to adhere to the closed season regulations and report to the Praedial Larceny Unit, Marine Police, nearest Police Station or the Department of Fisheries anyone known to be in possession of sea turtles or its by-products (meat, shell or other parts).
Anyone found in possession of a sea turtle, whole or any part or it’s by product is liable to a maximum fine of five thousand dollars (EC$5000) as stipulated under the Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15.
Contact the Department of Fisheries for more information at 725 1722, 468 4135 /4141.
SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture
Why is it that the professionals in virtually all establishments in Saint Lucia are so challenged when it comes on to giving full and complete information to the public?! When is the expected or projected date for the season to be opened??? That littke bit of added information would go a long way to make your report complete!!! As professipnals woth a responsibility to properly inform the public, the Fisheries Ministry and so many of our establishments need to stop being so inept in these “little” things!
That entire trade should be banned in my opinion. Allow the turtles to flourish and bring back some vibrancy to the water around Saint Lucia..
How many turtles are killed during the open season for food ? And how many turtles are declining each year ?
That fishery should never open again
Lucian people why the fork you all eat turtle? For bad luck and sky high murder rate? Ministry of agriculture more effing sick to continue that practice. But it explains the state of the agriculture industry for sure with these type of people in charge. In short, agriculture is a mess! Why turtle meat? U all did not read the bible that not all living things are to be eaten? A bunch of sick people!
Re Article.A very good step forward, To all the negative comments to our St Lucian people, we are not demons nor evil for eating turtle meat!
People eat people so why can’t St Lucian eat turtle without being Demonize..
The local fishermen should be more aware of the new laws that is currently in effect..
A Commonsense approach is needed..