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i United States Virgin Islands COMMERCIAL FISHER’S INFORMATION HANDBOOK DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FISH & WILDLIFE 2024 ii Note This booklet summarizes the rules and regulations for recreational and commercial fishing in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and some of the federal regulations that apply in adjacent Federal waters. This publication was prepared for general informational purposes only and has no legal force or ef- fect. Fishing regulations are subject to change. It is your responsibility to become familiar with the latest territorial and federal regulatory updates and to comply with the current official regulations. Previous editions of this handbook represent outdated information and should not be used. For additional and updated regulations concerning USVI Territorial waters (0 to 3 nautical miles offshore), please contact the USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement at 340-774-3320 (St. Thomas) or 340-773-5774 (St. Croix). For current and specific regulations for fishing in Federal waters (3 – 200 nautical miles offshore), fishers should contact the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) Southeast Regional Office at 727-824-5305 or consult official sources of information, such as the Federal Register. Fish- ers with questions about Atlantic Highly Migratory Species should call the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division at 727-824-5399 (Spanish or English) or 301-427-8503 (English on- ly). This is meant to be a reference document. If a discrepancy exists between this document and the regulations in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/ECFR) or the Virgin Islands Code (http://www.lexis nexis.com/hottopics/vicode/), the Federal and Terri- torial Regulations take precedence. If you have any questions concerning fishery matters other than regulations, please contact the USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife (see back cover). We would like to thank the following agencies for assisting in the preparation of this handbook: NO- AA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office – Sustainable Fisheries Division, NOAA National Marine Fish- eries Service – Habitat Conservation Division, NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division, NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center—Caribbean Branch, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council, the National Park Service, the St. Croix Fishery Advisory Committee, The St. Thomas—St. John Fishery Advisory Committee, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. iii iv TABLE OF CONTENTS To All Fishers of The U.S. Virgin Islands……………………………………………………………………….. 1 USVI Fishing Rules and Regulations, General Rules for Fishers……………………………………. 2 Trademarks of a Responsible Fisher……………………………………………………………………………. 6 Commercial Catch Reporting Requirements………………………………………………………………… 9 Territorial Commercial Fishing— General Rules…………………………………………………………. 12 Commercial Fishing Gear……………………………………………………………………………………………... 13 Seasonal Species Closures………………………………………………………………………………………...….. 14 Seasonal Area Closures………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 Commercial Catch Size Limits………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 No Harvest/Allowable Species……………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs)…………………………………. 18 Monofilament Recycling Program………………………………………………………………………………... 20 Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue (STAR) Organization……………………………………………….. 21 Educational Resources for Fishers……………………………………………………………………………….. 22 Fisher Resource Maps………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 Appendices 1. Glossary of Common Terms………………………………………………………………………………. 25 2. Summary of Fishing Regulations in Territorial Waters…………………………………….. 31 3. Summary of Fishing Regulations in Federal Waters………………………………………….. 37 4. St. Thomas Marine Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries……………………………………… 45 5. St. Croix East End Marine Park Zone Regulations……………………………………………… 46 6. St. Thomas/St. John District Seasonal Area Closures………………………………………… 47 7. St. Croix District Seasonal Area Closures…………………………………………….……………. 48 DPNR Hotline……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 49 Contact Information for Relevant Agencies………………………………………………………………….. 50 1 TO ALL FISHERS OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is responsible for the conservation and management of our fisheries and enforcement of boating and fishing regula- tions (V.I. Code Title 12 Conservation, Title 25 Navigation, and the Boating Safety Act of 1972). The Di- vision of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) monitors the commercial and recreational fisheries of the USVI and provides recommendations to the Commissioner of DPNR on matters relating to fisheries manage- ment. Working with fishers to obtain accurate information is a vital component of DFW’s work and will help to ensure that the fishery resources of the USVI remain sustainable for future generations. The Division of Environmental Enforcement is responsible for the explanation and enforcement of regulations in matters pertaining to boating, fishing, and the environment. We hope that you find this handbook useful as you engage in your fishing activities. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (see back cover for contact information). RELEVANT LINKS USVI Department of Planning & Natural Resources – https://dpnr.vi.gov USVI Division of Fish & Wildlife – https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/ USVI DFW Fisher Resources - https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/fisher-resources/ USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement - https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-enforcement/ USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement Forms - https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental- enforcement/forms-applications/ USVI Recreational Fishing License & Information – http://usvifishinglicense.org Virgin Islands Code – https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/vicode Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50 The Federal Register - https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/national-oceanic-and-atmospheric -administration Caribbean Fishery Management Council – http://www.caribbeanfmc.com NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service – https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov NOAA NMFS Southeast Regional Office – http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov NOAA Southeast Region Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Monitoring - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ southeast/sustainable-fisheries/southeast-region-annual-catch-limit-acl-monitoring NOAA Southeast Regional Office Permit Shop – https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (NMFS) – https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly- migratory-species and https://hmspermits.noaa.gov Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guide - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/educational- materials/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-recreational-compliance-guide Reef Responsible Sustainable Seafood Initiative - https://www.facebook.com/reefresponsiblevi Virgin Islands Local Food and Farm Council— https://vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil.org/about-the- council/#:~:text=The%20Virgin%20Islands%20Local%20Food,fortify%20our%20local%20food% 2 USVI FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS The remainder of this booklet summarizes the rules and regulations for fishing in the U.S. Virgin Is- lands and adjacent Federal waters. As fishing regulations can change, fishers are responsible for re- maining up to date with regulations. For current and specific regulations for fishing in territorial wa- ters, fishers may contact the USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement. Regulations pertaining to adjacent federal waters are presented on Page 37. For current and specific regulations for fishing in federal waters, fishers should contact the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) South- east Regional Office at 727-824-5305. GENERAL RULES FOR FISHERS 1. V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §322 – No explosives, poisons, drugs, or other chemicals may be used to fish in territorial or federal waters. 2. Fishing Vessel Registration (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, § 311 & 312(a)) – No person may en- gage in fishing and no vessel or other fishing device may be used in fishing in the territory un- less registered, certified or licensed. Any and all vessels used for or engaged in commercial fish- ing or the hauling of traps, pots, nets or seines in the territory shall conform to the require- ments for displaying numbers and colors. Annual boat registration is conducted by the Division of Environmental Enforcement during the month of June. Commercial fishers may register their boats while renewing their commercial fishing licenses in July. 3. Boat Safety Standards – All motorboats must meet the safety standards of the Virgin Islands Code and the Federal Boating Safety Act of 1972. 4. Fishing in waters outside of the USVI – The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Puerto Rico each have their own fishing laws and regulations. Your USVI fishing license does not allow you to fish in the territorial waters of the BVI or Puerto Rico, nor does it allow you to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of other countries. 5. Fishing in Altona Lagoon and Great Pond, St. Croix – No commercial fishing is allowed in Al- tona Lagoon or Great Pond, St. Croix. A recreational shrimp fishing permit is required for the harvesting of shrimp (see page 36). A one-year permit for $10 is available at the Division of Environmental Enforcement’s St. Croix Office (contact information on back cover). 6. St. James Marine Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary – A permit is required to collect baitfish with a cast net or to fish with a hook and line within the sanctuary. Fishing for baitfish is not allowed within 50 feet of the shoreline. The line fishing permit costs $2.00 per month. The bait fishing permit costs $5.00 per month. Both permits may be purchased for a maximum of two months from the Division of Environmental Enforcement. The permits may be renewed at the end of the two months. 3 7. Cas Cay/Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary – A permit is required to collect baitfish using a cast net. Fishing for baitfish is not allowed within 50 feet of shorelines. The bait fishing permit is $5.00 per month and may be purchased for a maximum of two months from the Division of Environmental Enforcement. All other fishing and harvest of other animals and plants is prohibited in this area (see page 35). All fishing is prohibited in the Inner Mangrove Lagoon (see pages 35 and 45). 8. USVI Marine Reserve System – For information on the rules and regulations of other areas within the Virgin Islands Marine Reserve System, contact the Division of Environmental En- forcement at (340) 774-3320 (St. Thomas) or (340) 773-5774 (St. Croix). For information on the St. Croix East End Marine Park, contact the Marine Park Coordinator at (340) 718-3367. 9. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICRNM) (36 CFR 7.46) – Anchoring is pro- hibited and all fishing is prohibited in VICRNM, with the following exceptions: 1) Bait fishing is permitted in Hurricane Hole and 2) fishing for blue runner (hardnose) is only permitted at des- ignated mooring locations near Cabritte Horn Point. Both activities require a permit from the National Park Service (NPS). For information and regulations regarding the V.I. Coral Reef Na- tional Monument (south and northeast sides of St. John), contact NPS at (340) 776-6201. The rules and regulations for the V.I. Coral Reef National Monument are different from those of the VI National Park waters. Map and table showing locations of marker buoys delineating the VI Coral Reef National Monument. 4 10. Virgin Islands National Park (36 CFR 7.74) – Anchoring is prohibited except in designated ar- eas. The Virgin Islands National Park (see page 3) has separate and specific regulations on fish- ing. Commercial fishing is prohibited. Fishing using rod and reel or handline is permitted. Fish- ing with traps of conventional Virgin Islands design and not larger than five feet at the greatest dimension is permitted. Baitfish may be taken by nets of no greater overall length than 20 feet and of mesh not larger than 1 inch stretched. The possession of or use of spearfishing equip- ment within park boundaries is prohibited. All fishing is prohibited: in swim zones (designated by white cylindrical boat exclusion buoys), when tied to a mooring ball, and from the following areas 1) NPS Red Hook Dock, and 2) Cruz Bay Finger Pier & Bulkhead. The species of crustaceans known as spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) may be taken by hand. No person shall take female lobsters with eggs; or take more than two lobsters per person per day; or have in possession more than two days' limit. Species of mollusks commonly known as whelks (West Indian top snail) and conchs (queen conch) may be taken by hand. No person shall take more than two conchs or one gallon of whelks, or both, per day, or have in possession more than two days' limit. For information on fishing regulations within the Virgin Islands Nat- ional Park, contact the National Park Service at (340) 776-6201, or visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/ index.htm. 11. Buck Island Reef National Monument (36 CFR 7.73) – All fishing and fishing equipment is prohibited throughout Buck Island Reef National Monument. All anchoring is prohibited except in areas designated by the National Park Service (NPS). For current information regarding rules and regulations for Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, contact the Visitor and Re- source Protection Division at Christiansted National Historic Site, Christiansted Headquarters office at (340) 773-1460. NPS boundary buoys are located at points 2-9 on the figure below. NPS boundary buoys, letter designation I, J, K, L, M, N, O are yellow in color, unlighted with re- flective tape. Map and table showing locations of marker buoys delineating Buck Island Reed National Monu- ment, St. Croix. 5 12. Limetree Bay Restricted Area, St. Croix—Limetree Bay remains a restricted area. No vessels may enter the restricted area or cross channels or pass inside the fringing reef upon entering or leaving Alucroix Channel (see figure below). This area includes all waters two miles seaward of the Limetree Bay facility waterfront. Anchoring, mooring, or transiting this area is not permit- ted. For current information on restrictions, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) contact the Marine Pilot at (340) 692-3489 or VHF Radio channel 11 or Command Center at (340) 692-3000. After business hours, please contact the 24-hour line at (340) 692- 3518. You may also contact the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Croix at (340) 772-5557 ext. 209 for Boat Forces, or sector San Juan at (787) 289-2041. 13. St. Croix East End Marine Park (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §98) — The Park includes a no-take area for all natural resources as prescribed in the St. Croix East End Marine Park Management Plan prepared by the Virgin Islands Program of the Nature Conservancy for the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources and approved by the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission on July 19, 2002. See more information on pages 36 and 46. Map showing the location of Limetree Bay Restricted Area, St. Croix. Map of the East End Marine Park with related boundary zones. 6 TRADEMARKS OF A RESPONSIBLE FISHER On August 24, 2001, the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources implemented a morato- rium on the issuance of new commercial fishing licenses. On October 1, 2021, the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources lifted the moratorium on commercial licenses. Commercial fishing licenses for hook and line are now available based on a limited entry application process. Please visit the DFW website at https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/fisher-resources/ to get the application form for a commercial license. Existing licenses must be renewed annually. Fishing licenses may be transferred (see next page). 7 TRANSFER OF USVI COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES Commercial fishing licenses are transferable. V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §312(c) as amended by Bill number 29-0329 allows the transfer of fishing licenses to family members and fishers’ helpers. Li- cense transfer requests are submitted to the Division of Fish and Wildlife and are approved or denied by the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To apply to have your fishing license transferred, pick up the required form from the DFW offices. The completed form needs to be signed by both the original license holder and the transferee (license recipient) and must be notarized. Any supporting documentation indicated on the form must be included. Commercial fishing licenses may only be issued to U.S. citizens who are permanent residents of the USVI for at least one year. No license shall be issued to a minor under 17 years old, except with the written consent of his or her parent or guardian. LOST OR DESTROYED LICENSES AND ID CARDS If a USVI commercial fishing license or ID card is lost, misplaced, or destroyed, the licensed fisher or helper may apply to the Division of Environmental Enforcement to receive a replacement. There is a $2.00 fee for replacing a lost license and a $25.00 fee for replacing a fisher or helper ID card. The ID card must be renewed each year. 8 Form 1 that is needed as part of the commercial fishing license renewal process. 9 COMMERCIAL CATCH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS DFW monitors fishery resources in the U.S. Virgin Islands using commercial catch reports (CCRs) submitted by fishers. These forms collect information about fishing activity and catch. All infor- mation is entered into a confidential database by DFW staff and managed by NOAA. Accurate data are essential to fisheries management, as the information you provide contributes to a better under- standing of our fishery. This allows resource managers to make more informed decisions about our fisheries, fishing industry, and related issues, ensuring that the fisheries are kept sustainable for you as well as future generations. It is in your best interests to fill out your reports as truthfully and com- pletely as possible. Inaccurate or incomplete CCRs provide misleading data that can lead to manage- ment actions that may not be warranted. If you do not fish during a calendar month, a CCR must still be submitted for each month that you did not fish. Record your name, fishing license #, and month you did not fish on the top of the form. If all required CCRs are not submitted to DFW, you will not be able to renew your fishing license until the missing forms are submitted, and you may be subject to penalties. 10 Commercial Catch Report for St. Thomas/St. John. This form should be completed for every commercial trip. If fishing did not occur during the month, then the form should still be completed and submitted for the month(s) in which fishing did not occur. 11 Commercial Catch Report for St. Croix. This form should be completed for every com- mercial trip. If fishing did not occur during the month, then the form should still be com- pleted and submitted for the month(s) in which fishing did not occur. 12 TERRITORIAL COMMERCIAL FISHING – GENERAL RULES 1. Gear Compliance – Before placing any gear in service, contact the Division of Environmental Enforcement to ensure it complies with current regulations. 2. Boat Marking (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A §312g) – All commercial fishers are assigned buoy colors that pertain to their fishing license number. All boats owned by commercial trap fishers must bear the fisher’s colors when engaged in commercial trap fishing. 3. Marking Fishing Gear (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A §312e) – All fish traps and nets must be marked with the fisher’s license number. Buoys must also bear the fisher’s assigned unique col- or scheme and the license #. The number must be cut or burned into the buoy. 4. Trap Inspection (V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A §304-6) – All commercial fish traps must be in- spected and tagged prior to use. Call the USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) to have the traps inspected and tagged prior to taking them out to sea. For information concerning pre-fishing trap inspections and mesh regulations, contact DEE. 5. Commercial Fishing Licenses (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A §312c, §312h) – Each commercial fisher is required to have a commercial fishing license. Commercial fishers must have the num- ber of helpers who work with them indicated on their license. Both helpers and licensees must have ID cards. 6. Fishers’ Helpers (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A §312h) – Commercial fishers’ helpers must have their own “Helper’s License,” issued by the USVI Division of Environmental Enforcement. The helpers may not fish without the licensed commercial fisher on board. 7. Commercial Catch Reports (CCRs) (V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A §315) – To monitor the status of USVI fisheries, each fisher is required to submit a commercial catch report for every fishing trip to DFW on a monthly basis. If there was no fishing activity within a calendar month, a single monthly CCR must be received no later than 15 days after the end of the month for which it was prepared. 8. Taxes – (V.I.C., Title 7, Chapter 13, §193) – Fishers who obtain a commercial fishing business license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) may become eligible for several tax and fee benefits. Please contact DLCA in St. Thomas at (340) 774-3130 or St. Croix at (340) 773-2226 for information about these laws. 9. Sampling of Catch / Port Sample Interviews – To remain compliant with license require- ments, commercial fishers must submit commercial catch reports monthly and participate in DFW’s port sampling program. Those actively fishing are required to participate in at least one (1) port sample per quarter, totaling four (4) for the fishing year. Failure to comply may result in the inability to renew your fishing license. Port samples can be conducted at the dock, at the DFW office, or at another agreed upon location, by calling the DFW office or Port Samplers. At least 24 hours in advance. During a port sample, DFW measures your catch to collect detailed data that aids in the management of fisheries resources. If you do not fish in a quarter, you do not need to conduct a port sample for that quarter. 13 14 For more information regarding seasonal species closures, please visit the website of The Division of Environmental Enforcement at https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-enforcement/. 15 For more details regarding the rules and regulations for seasonal area closures, please refer to pages 43 and 47-48. 16 17 18 ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS (ACLs) AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES (AMs) An annual catch limit (ACL) is the amount of a particular species or species group that can be caught in a given year in federal waters. Underlined species are indictor stocks that are used for performing stock assessments. 19 Accountability measures (AMs) such as a seasonal or species closures may be implemented to cor- rect or mitigate overages of the ACL. The federal Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Man- agement Act requires ACLs and AMs to be set by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council to pre- vent overfishing. 20 21 22 BROCHURES Aquatic Education Program Regulations of Managed Areas Shallow Water Reef Fishing Guide Christmas Cove Moorings Deep Water Game Fishing Guide Invasive Species Prevent Entanglement Shoreline Fishing Guide Marine Mammal/Sea Turtle Viewing Guide A Walk Along the Coastline Mariner’s Resource Protection Guide Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) POSTERS Summer Migrant Sea Birds Shallow Water Reef Habitats Winter Resident Sea Birds Shallow Water Game Fish Doves and Columbids Mid-Water Game Fish Salt Ponds Habitats Deep Water Game Fish Freshwater Habitats Fish Facts Seagrass Habitats Be a Responsible Resource User Coral Reef Habitats BOOKS Invasive Species Action Plan Animals of the VI Coloring Book Fish Activity Book (Grades 4-6) Composition Book (Grades K-3) Fishing in the VI (Grades 4-6) Aquatic Fact Sheet Book Where I Live Coloring Book Fishing VI Style FISHING TOOLS Queen Conch & Whelk Measuring Gauges Lobster Measuring Gauges USVI Snappers & Groupers Ruler Commercial/Recreational Logbooks A Quick Reference Guide to USVI Fishing Regulations EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Resources are available to enhance fishing competencies and knowledge of the habitats and natu- ral resources of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The following materials are available at the DFW offices, up- on request. 23 24 25 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS Terms defined by Title 12 V.I.C. §302 shall have the same meaning when used herein. Additional terms used herein shall mean as follows: a. “Angling” means fishing with hand line or rod with naturally or artificially baited hook. b. “Annual catch limit” or ACL as defined by the federal National Marines Fisheries Service is a lev- el of catch intended to ensure overfishing does not occur. These limits are set less than or equal to the overfishing limit (OFL) and acceptable biological catch (ABC). c. “Area closure” is the closure to fishing by particular gear(s) of an entire fishing ground, or a part of it, for the protection of a section of the population (e.g. spawners, juveniles), the whole population, or several populations. The closure is usually seasonal, but it could be permanent. d. “Bag limit” refers to the number and/or size of a species that a person can legally take in a day or trip. e. “Cast net” means a type of circular falling net, weighted on its periphery, which is thrown and retrieved by hand. f. “Catch” means 1. to undertake any activity that results in taking fish out of its environment dead or alive; to bring fish on board a vessel dead or alive, 2. the total number (or weight) of fish caught by fishing operations; catch should include all fish killed by the act of fishing, not just those landed, 3. the component of fish encountering fishing gear which is retained by the gear. g. “Catch and release” means fishing where immediate release is required back to the waters from which the fish was removed, without avoidable injury. No take or retention is permitted. h. “Closed season” means the period of time prescribed by the Commissioner during which it shall be unlawful to catch those species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans or other marine or aquatic ani- mals that the Department may deem it advisable to protect during spawning or breeding sea- son or to restore the fauna in those areas where continuous fishing has depleted fisheries re- sources. i. “Commercial Catch Report (CCR)” refers to the official form that is used to record and submit commercial catch landings; required for every commercial fishing trip or once a month if fish- ing does not occur in that month, in order to remain compliant with the rules and regulations of holding a commercial fishing license. j. “Commercial fisher” means any person engaged in the harvest and sale of marine organisms, including fish, shellfish, crustaceans, invertebrates, algae, or marine plants, either whole or pro- cessed, for profit, barter, or trade. “Income” as used herein shall not include a prize or award offered as a prize in a fishing tournament. k. “Commercial fishery” relates to the whole process of catching and marketing fish and shellfish for sale. It refers to and includes fisheries resources, fishermen, and related businesses. l. “Commercial fishing license” is the formal documentation granted to eligible applicants to fish in the jurisdictional waters of the Territory for commercial purposes, with intent to sell. 26 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS m. “Commercial fisher registration” refers to the official act of registering for one’s commercial fishing license, required annually, every July, for compliance. Registering for a commercial fish- ing license requires approval from the Division of Fish & Wildlife, Division of Environmental En- forcement, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs . n. “Commercial Trip Limit” means the maximum weight or number of a species that is allowed to be harvested and landed in a single trip, per registered commercial vessel on which a registered commercial fisher must be present. o. “Commercial vessel” means any vessel used or engaged in trade or business including, but not limited to, carrying passengers for hire, charter fishing, bare boat, or any type of charter, maintenance, diving, towing, or any trade or business wherein the vessel is used in any manner to promote the venture, or is registered or licensed with the Territory, or documented by the United States Coast Guard for commercial purposes; provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to commercial fishing vessels other than commercial charter fish- ing vessels. p. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Re- sources. q. “Compliance” means meeting the conditions required to hold a commercial fishing license as described in this handbook and pursuant to VIC Title 12 Chapter 9A Commercial Fishing. r. “Conservation officers” means the enforcement officers of the Department of Planning and Nat- ural Resources. s. “DEE” means the Division of Environmental Enforcement t. “Department” means the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). u. “Discard” means to release or return fish to the sea, dead or alive, whether or not such fish are brought full on board a fishing vessel. v. “DFW” means the Division of Fish and Wildlife. w. “Estuary” or “estuarine” means that part of a river or stream or other body of water having a tidal connection with the sea, where the seawater is measurably diluted with fresh water de- rived from land drainage. x. “Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” is the area that extends from the seaward boundaries of the coastal states (for example, 3 nautical miles (n. mi.)) to 200 n. mi. off the U.S. coast. Within this area the United States claims and exercises sovereign rights and exclusive fishery management authority over all fish and all continental shelf fishery resources. y. “Federal waters off the USVI” refers to the waters extending from 3 to 200 nautical miles off- shore. These waters are governed by the United States federal rules and regulations. z. “Fillet” is a slice of meat without bones, cut out for human consumption. 27 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS aa. “Fish” includes, when used as a noun, fish, oysters, clams, conches, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, tur- tles and other marine or aquatic animals, mammals, mollusks, and crustaceans and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof. bb. The verb “to fish” in all its modes and tenses means to take or attempt to take fish by any meth- od or means, whether or not such method or means results in their capture. cc. “Fish stock” refers to the living resources in the community or population from which catches are taken in a fishery. Use of the term fish stock usually implies that the particular population is more or less isolated from other stocks of the same species and hence self-sustaining. In a par- ticular fishery, the fish stock may be one or several species of fish but here is also intended to include commercial invertebrates and plants. dd. “Fisher” is a gender-neutral name for a person (male or female) participating in a fishery. ee. “Fisher helper” is a person who assists a licensed commercial fisher with fishing duties, as well, as assisting with the selling of their catch. A fisher helper must hold an official Helper’s ID card provided by the Division of Environmental Enforcement. A fisher helper is not allowed to sell any catch without the licensed commercial fisher present. ff. “Fishery dependent” refers to data collected directly on a fish or fishery from commercial or sport fishermen and seafood dealers. Common methods include logbooks, trip tickets, port sampling, fishery observers, and phone surveys. gg. “Fishery Management Plan (FMP)” is a documented system to make fishery management measures that ensure healthy fish stocks and regulations which achieve the greatest overall benefit to the region for which it is developed. hh. “Fishery resource” means any fish, any stock of fish, any species of fish, and any habitat of fish. ii. “Fishing” means any activity, other than scientific research conducted by a scientific research vessel, that involves catching, taking, or harvesting of fish; or any attempt to do so; or any activ- ity that can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish and any operations at sea in support of it. jj. “Fishing gear” means (a) any vessel and (b) any equipment, whether or not attached to a vessel which is used in the commercial handling or harvesting of living marine resources. kk. “Fork length” is measured as the projected straight distance between the tip of the snout and the fork of the tail. It is an accepted measurement used frequently for fish length when the fish’s tail has a forked shape. ll. “Gear” refers to fishing gear as a tool used to catch fish, such as hook-and-line, trawl net, gillnet, pot, trap, spear, etc. mm. “Gear Restriction” means 1. a type of input control used as a management tool whereby the amount and/or type of fishing gear used by fishers in a particular fishery is restricted by law; 2. limits placed on the type, amount, number, or techniques allowed for a given type of fishing gear. 28 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS nn. “Harvest” means the catching or taking of an organism. Harvest includes the unnecessary harm- ing or killing of an organism regardless of possession. Please note that catch, harvest and land- ings are different. oo. “Highly Migratory Species” are marine species whose life cycle includes lengthy migrations, usu- ally through the exclusive economic zone of two or more countries as well as into international waters. This term usually is used to denote tuna and tuna-like species, sharks, swordfish, and billfish. pp. “Internal combustion engine” means a device used to generate power by converting chemical energy bound in the fuel via spark-ignition or compression ignition combustion into mechani- cal work to power a vehicle or other device. qq. “Land” when used in connection with the harvest of an organism, means the physical act of bringing the harvested organism ashore. rr. “Landings” mean 1. the number or poundage of fish unloaded by commercial fishermen; land- ings are reported at the locations at which fish are brough to shore; 2. the part of the catch that is selected and kept during the sorting procedures on board vessels and successively dis- charged at dockside. ss. “Landings data” is information on the amount of fish caught and landed per year. tt. “License” (also known as permit) is a document giving the producer the right to operate in a fishery according to the terms established by the regulating authority. uu. “Limited entry fishery” refers to a fishery where the number of operators is restricted through license limitation or quota systems, to control the amount of fishing effort. It frequently in- volves conditions relating to the transfer of fishing rights or the replacement of vessels. vv. “Logbook” is a detailed, usually official, record of a vessel’s fishing activity registered systemati- cally on board the fishing vessel, usually including information on catch and its species compo- sition, the corresponding fishing effort and location. Completion of logbooks may be a compul- sory requirement for a fishing license. ww. "Mesh size” refers to the size of holes in a fishing net. Minimum mesh sizes are often prescribed by regulations in order to avoid the capture of the young of valuable species before they have reached their optimal size for capture. xx. “Minimum mesh size” is the smallest size of mesh permitted in nets and traps; this allows smaller individuals than a defined mesh size to escape unharmed. yy. “Moratorium” refers to a mandatory cessation of fishing activities on a species, in an area, with a particular gear, and for a specified period of time. zz. “Motorboat” means a vessel equipped with machinery for propulsion, irrespective of whether the propulsion machinery is in actual operation. 29 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS aaa. “NMFS” is the National Marine Fisheries Service. bbb. “Nautical mile” is the international unit of distance equal to 1,852 meters or 6,067 feet. ccc. “NOAA” means the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. ddd. “Port sample” refers to the process by which biostatical data on the entirety of a commercial fisher’s landings for a single trip is collected by a DFW staff member. One port sample is re- quired each quarter for all active commercial fishers in order to remain complaint. eee. “Pots” (also known as traps) are designed to catch fish or crustaceans, in the form of cages or baskets of various materials (wood, wicker, metal rods, wire netting, etc.) and having one or more openings or entrances; usually set on the bottom, with or without bait, singly or in rows, connected by ropes (buoy-lines) to buoys on the surface showing their position. fff. “Quota” is a specified numerical harvest objective, the attainment (or expected attainment) of which causes closure of the fishery for that species or species group. ggg. “Resident” means any natural person who has had the Territory as their legal place of resi- dence for one full year immediately preceding the time of consideration. hhh. “Territorial waters” refers to the waters within the area extending from the Territorial shore- line to 3 nautical miles offshore. These waters are governed by U.S. Virgin Islands Territorial Rules and Regulations. iii. “Total catch” is the landed catch plus the discard mortality. jjj. “Total length” refers to the length of a fish defined as the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is laying on its side, normally extend- ed. kkk. “Transferer” refers to the current commercial fishing license holder with intentions to trans- fer their commercial fishing license to immediate relatives, family, or fisher helpers. lll. “Transferee” refers to the receiver of a transferred commercial fishing license mmm.“Trip limit” is a quota that each fisher or vessel is allowed to catch per trip. Trip limits are the commercial equivalent of a recreational bag limit. nnn. “Seasonal closure” means closed season. The banning of fishing activity (in an area or of an entire fishery) for a few weeks or months, to protect juveniles and spawners. ooo. The verb “to sell” in all its modes and tenses shall include offers for sale, possession for profit, exchange, negotiation, or the engagement in any other activity of a commercial nature. ppp. “Seller” means any person who offers for sale, possession for profit, exchange, negotiation, or the engagement in any other activity of a commercial nature of any fish. 30 APPENDIX 1 — GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS qqq. “Scientific or educational purposes” means purposes directly related to learning, teaching, training, research, and development that are part of the instructional or research functions per- formed by an accredited educational or research institution or other authorized educational organization that do not include commercial, professional or any other for-profit purposes. rrr. The word “shall” is mandatory, not directory. sss. “Size limit” is the minimum or maximum limit on the size of fish that may be legally caught. ttt. “Spear fishing” means the taking of Fish through the instrumentality of a hand or mechanically propelled, single, or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water. uuu. The verb “to take” in all its modes and tenses means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, kill, trap, capture, intentionally wound, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct. vvv. “Trammel net” means a net constructed of two or more walls of netting hung from the same cork and lead lines, with one wall having a larger mesh than the other(s), which traps a fish in a pocket of netting when the fish pushes the smaller mesh wall through a mesh in the larger mesh wall. www.“Vessel” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or ca- pable of being used as a means of transportation on water 31 APPENDIX 2—SUMMARY OF FISHING REGULATIONS: U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL WATERS TERRITORIAL WATERS EXTEND FROM SHORE TO 3 NAUTICAL MILES OFFSHORE 1. Whelk (West In- dian Top Snail): Size Limit: Landing Re- striction: Closed Season: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, § 316-5, 316-6, & 316-7 Minimum size of shell must be greater than 2 7/16” in diameter across the width of the shell at its widest point. No Harvest of undersized whelk is per- mitted. Must be landed live and whole in the shell. No harvest or possession April 1 through September 30. 2. Queen Conch: Size Limit: Commercial Trip Limit: Landing Restriction: Sale Restriction: Closed Season: V.I.R.R.., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-1:4 Minimum size of 9-inch shell length from the tip of the spire to the distal end of the shell, or 3/8-inch lip thickness (width) at its widest point. No harvest of undersized conch is permitted. Limited to 150 conch per day per registered commercial fishing vessel on which a licensed commercial fisher must be present. V.I.R.R., Title 12, chapter 9A, §316-2 Conch must be landed alive and in the shell and reported in the district from which they were harvested. It is prohibited to land conch shells on offshore islands and cays for the purpose of removing meat from the shell. It is prohib- ited to dispose of conch shells by throwing the empty shells back in the water. No sale of undersized conch shell or meat from undersized conch. No sale of imported conch meat unless shipment is accompanied by a CITIES export permit. For information on importing fish or wildlife, contact the port of entry nearest to you. Contact information for wildlife ports is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at www.fws.gov/le/ or by calling 730-358-1949. No harvest or possession June 1 through October 31. Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2008 under V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316(b & c); V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-1 (a). (a). Once June 1st is reached, the season will close until November 1st of that year. No harvest, possession, or sale of fresh or preserved (frozen, salted, or treated in chemical solution) conch which has been caught in the U.S. Virgin Islands seven days after the start of the closed season. V.I.C (b). The transportation and sale of a species of fish which is the subject of a closed season shall be allowed up to the seventh day after the commencement of the closed season. (c). The sale and transportation of any species of fish that is included in the closed season is permitted during the closed season if such fish is imported from outside the US Virgin Islands. 32 3. Caribbean Spiny Lobster: Size Limit: Harvest Quota: Landing Restriction: Gear Restrictions: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §319 Minimum size limit of no less than 3.5 inches carapace length. No harvest quota in territorial waters. Annual catch limits apply in federal waters. Must be landed whole. No harvest of female with the presence of eggs. No explosives, poisons, drugs, other chemicals, spears, hooks, or similar devices may be used to take lobsters. No gill nets or trammel nets may be used. 4. Shrimp: Commissioner Prescribed Rule 1992 under V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §303(a)(1) No commercial harvest or sale in Altona Lagoon or Great Pond Recreational harvest allowed only with permit (See page 2). 5. Goliath Grouper: Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2005 under V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316 The harvest and possession of goliath grouper is prohibited year-round in the territory. 6. Nassau Grouper: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-14(e) The harvest and possession of nassau grouper is prohibited year-round in the territory. 7. Other Groupers: Red, Black, Tiger, Yellowfin, & Yellowedge: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-14(a) No harvest or possession from February 1 through April 30 in the terri- tory. 8. Snappers: Black, Blackfin, Silk & Vermillion: Lane & Mutton: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-13 and §316-14 No harvest or possession October 1 through December 31 in St. Thom- as/St. John district. St. Croix is exempt from the seasonal closure for these species in Territorial waters. No possession from April 1 through June 30 for the territory. Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2015 under V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316 (for Mutton Snapper) and Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2022 under V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316 (for Lane Snapper). 9. 10. Billfish, Swordfish, Tuna & Shark: Tarpon & Bonefish: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A Federal regulations (e.g., permit, gear, landing, reporting requirements) may apply in both federal and territorial waters for recreational and com- mercial permit holders. See pages 42 for specific regulations. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §303(a)(1-3) and (b) and §316-14(g) No harvest. Catch and release using hook and line only. 33 11. Sea Turtles: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §318; Chapter 2 §105(b) Endangered species; no harvest, no possession, and no harassment of sea turtles or their eggs (See pages 17 and 21). 12: Traps: Fish Trap Reduction Program: Fish Trap Reduction Program Eligibility: Reduction for St, Thomas and St. John District: Reduction for St. Croix: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §304(b) The Virgin Islands Fish Trap Reduction Program was signed into law by the Governor of the USVI in August 2017. The purpose of these rules and regulations is to establish a sustainable management program for the fish trap fishery within territorial waters in order to achieve the following general intentions and purpose of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands: 1) Limit participation in the Virgin Islands fish trap fishery; 2) Cap the maximum number of allowable fish traps per fisher; 3) Reduce the total number of fish traps by about 20% relative to the status quo in St. Thomas/St. John; 4) Reduce total number of fish traps by about 10% relative to the status quo in St. Croix; 5) Improve the economic efficiency of the fish trap fishery by increasing catch per trap. All fishers who held a valid USVI commercial fishing license on February 10, 2011, and who recorded landings on commercial catch records with fish trap gear between February 10, 2010 and February 10, 2011 will be eligible to participate in the program. A valid USVI fish trap license is re- quired to utilize fish traps within USVI Territorial waters. A valid USVI fish trap license is required to land fish in the USVI that have been har- vested with fish trap gear from Territorial waters. Each fisher with a USVI fish trap endorsement will be authorized to set a specific number of fish traps within USVI Territorial waters based on their prior reported landings. Each eligible fisher’s trap tags allocation will be calculated to an amount 20% less than the maximum number of traps they recorded on commercial catch reports between February 10, 2010 and February 10, 2011, unless a greater reduction is required to cap them at the 250-trap maximum. 250 is the maximum number of fish trap tags any fisher may possess. The maximum number of fish traps that any fisher can receive is 150. Each eligible fisher’s fish trap tags allocation will be calculated to an amount equal to 10% less than the maximum number of traps they rec- orded on commercial catch reports between February 10, 2010 and Feb- ruary 10, 2011., unless a greater reduction is required to cap them at the 150 trap maximum. 34 Administration: Fees: Enforcement: Gear Restriction: District of St. Thomas/St. John: District of St. Croix: Both Districts: All fish traps set in USVI Territorial waters must be identifiable with a uniquely lettered/numbered USVI fish trap tag composed of a durable material not easily destroyed. All lost or stolen fish traps must be report- ed to DPNR—Division of Environmental Enforcement through submis- sion of a Lost or Stolen Fish Trap Report. Replacement tags may be re- quested from DPNR through submission of a Fish Trap Tag Replacement Application. Fish trap authorization will be issued on an annual basis. An- nual renewal will occur in conjunction with DPNR’s commercial fisher registration. The Division of Environmental Enforcement shall charge an annual one- dollar ($1.00) fish trap license fee for each fish trap authorized and regis- tered pursuant to this Regulation. The annual license fee shall commence for the registration period starting July 1, 2018, and shall be paid in ac- cordance each calendar year on or before June 30. A one-time total late fee of $25.00 shall be assessed, if payment is received after July 1st. A $5.00 monthly fee will be assessed after August 1st and for every month for which the annual fish trap license fee is due and owing. Any person violating or otherwise failing to comply with these rules and regulations shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than six months, unless otherwise provided by law. Any person convicted of a vio- lation of these rules and regulations by a court of competent jurisdiction shall have their fish trap license suspended and inoperative for one month for the first offense, three months for the second offense, and for one year for the third and subsequent offenses. All suspended or void fish trap licenses shall be surrendered forthwith to the Commissioner. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §304-4 & 304-6 All fish traps must have a minimum 2-inch square mesh. All fish traps must be inspected and tagged by the Division of Environmental Enforce- ment prior to use. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §304-5 & 304-6 All traps placed in Territorial waters must have a minimum of 1.5-inch hexagonal or 2-inch square mesh as the smallest mesh on two sides of the fish traps. All fish traps must be inspected and tagged by the Division Environmental Enforcement prior to use. V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §304(b) & §321(c) Fish traps may be constructed of any material; provided that the en- trance, one side, or the door or the fastening of the door for the removal of fish, shall be constructed of some material less durable than that used in the construction of the fish trap itself, such as twine, bamboo, or soft wood. No person shall use wooden, bamboo or metal buoys on any traps, pot, or set in the inland or coastal waters of the territory after January 1, 1973. All buoys shall be marked with the licensee’s number, which shall be burned or cut into the surface thereof. All buoys, pots, and traps that are not marked as required shall be removed from the jurisdictional waters by any conservation officer and held for a period of 2 months. 35 13. Nets: Mesh Restrictions: Gear Prohibition: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §304(b) Seine nets shall have no meshes smaller than 1 1/2 inches stretched measure; except that seines specifically used for catching bait fish may have smaller meshes; provided that such bait seines and the use thereof shall otherwise conform to the rules and regulations. The use of all gill and trammel nets (single or multiple wall entanglement nets) is prohibited in the territory, with the exception of single-wall sur- face gillnets for the baitfish ballyhoo (Family Hemiramphidae), gar (Family Belonidae), and flying fish (Family Exocoetidae). Surface gillnets must be tended to at all times, may not be more than 1,800 ft in length as measured by the float line, and may not be used within 20 ft of the bot- tom. Mesh size may not be smaller than 0.75-inch square or 1.5-inch stretch. Only one 1,800 ft bait net is permitted per boat. Restricted gill and trammel nets may not be possessed onboard vessels in territorial wa- ters. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §321-1 The use of trammel nets (multiple wall entanglement) is prohibited. The penalties for gill and trammel net violations are a $1,000 fine and confiscation of vessel and equipment. 14. Year-Round Closures/Marine Reserves: Cas Cay/Mangrove Lagoon Reserve: Permitted Acts: Fishing Permits: Prohibited Acts: Compass Point Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, St. Thomas: Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, St. Croix: No fishing or collecting of any kind is allowed except as noted below. V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-2 and §96-5 The use of a cast net with a minimum square mesh size of 0.25-inch to capture bait fish (“fry”). Fishing for baitfish is not allowed within 50 feet of the shoreline. A special monthly permit is required to catch baitfish in the Reserves. Ob- tain a permit from the Division of Environmental Enforcement. In the Inner Mangrove Lagoon (see Appendix 4, page 45), no fishing, no traps, and no seines are permitted. In short, no take at all. Use of internal combustion engines is prohibited. V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-1 Designated September 24, 1992. No fishing, hunting, or taking of any plants or animals within the marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary (See page 45). V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §96 Designated July 19, 1995. It is unlawful to (1) collect, take, or possess any fish, coral, bird, or other wildlife, or part thereof; (2)use or possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, spear gun or any trap, net, or other contriv- ance designed to be, or capable of being, used to take birds, fish, or other wildlife or to discharge any firearm or release any arrow into the sanctu- ary. Contact the DPNR Division of Environmental Enforcement at (340) 773-5774 or the National Park Service at (340) 773-1460 x234 for com- plete regulations. 36 The Small Pond at Frank Bay Wildlife and Marine Sanctuary, St. John: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-4 Designated on March 24, 2000, signed on April 11, 2001. No hunting, fish- ing, or harvest of fisheries or wildlife resources. The use of a motorized vessel is prohibited within Frank Bay Pond. 15. Territorial Marine Parks: St. Croix East End Marine Park: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §98 Designated on January 9, 2003. Regulations designate certain restricted zones within the park boundaries, including areas where fishing is com- pletely prohibited (no-take zones) and areas which require special per- mits for some fishing activities, terrestrial signage and marker buoys in- dicate and demarcate zones. Contact the Marine Park Coordinator at (340) 718-3367 or the Division of Environmental Enforcement at (340) 773-5774 for more information on regulations. 16. Altona Lagoon and Great Pond Shrimp Management: Commissioner Prescribed Rule 1992 under V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 9A, §303. Portions of this rule have been superseded by provisions of the East End Marine Park. a. All seine nets, gill nets, and traps are prohibited in Altona Lagoon, Great Pond, and their respective connecting channels to the sea. b. All seine nets, gill nets, and traps are prohibited in Christiansted Harbor within 100 yards of the mouth of Altona Lagoon channel. All seine nets, gill nets, and traps are prohibited in Great Pond Bay, as it is part of the No-Take Zone of the East End Marine Park. c. No motorized vessels are allowed in Altona Lagoon, Great Pond, and their respective con- necting channels to the sea. d. A recreational shrimp fishing permit is required to harvest shrimp on St. Croix. A permit may be obtained from the Division of Environmental Enforcement. The annual fee for this permit is $10.00. e. Monofilament or nylon cast nets of 3/8-inch square mesh (3/4-inch stretch mesh) may be used to shrimp in Altona Lagoon channel. Cast nets of knotless nylon netting are prohibit- ed. f. Cast nets of 1-inch square mesh (2-inch stretch mesh) may be used to harvest fish in Alto- na Lagoon and the channel connecting it to the sea. Cast nets of knotless nylon netting are prohibited. g. The sale of southern pink shrimp is prohibited. Vendors selling shrimp must possess a certificate of origin for the shrimp. h. The use of lights to attract shrimp for harvest is prohibited. i. Recreational handline and rod and reel fishing are permitted in Altona Lagoon and the channel connecting it to the sea. Recreational handline and rod and reel fishing are pro- hibited in Great Pond and the channel connecting it to the sea. 17. General Provision: Filleting: V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-14(f) The filleting of fish in Federal waters of the U.S. Caribbean is prohibited and it is required that fish captured or possessed in Territorial waters be landed with heads and fins intact. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §321(f) Use of hookah gear to harvest marine resources in Territorial waters is prohibited. 37 1. Queen Conch: ST. CROIX FMP Size Limit: Landing Restrictions: Seasonal and Area Closures: Commercial Trip Limit: Prohibited Gear and Methods: Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures: ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP: 50 CFR 622.481(e)— Minimum size limit is either 9 inches in length, that is, from the tip of the spire to the distal end of the shell, or 3/8 inch lip width (thickness) at its widest point (See page 16). No harvest, possession, sale, or purchase of undersized conch. 50 CFR 622.485(e)— Queen conch in or from the Caribbean EEZ must be maintained with meat and shell intact. 50 CFR 622.479(b)(4)— No person may fish for, or possess on board a fishing vessel, a queen conch in or from the Caribbean EEZ, except dur- ing November 1 through May 31 (or earlier depending on the quota), in the area east of 64°34’ W longitude which includes Lang Bank east of St. Croix, USVI (see page 14). When the USVI closes Territorial waters off St. Croix to the harvest and possession of queen conch the EEZ will close con- currently. 50 CFR 622.482(a)— Commercial trip limits on the amount of applicable species that may be possessed on board or landed, purchases, or sold from a vessel per day. A person who fishes in the EEZ may not combine a trip limit specified in this section with any trip or possession limit appli- cable to Territorial waters. The commercial trip limit for queen conch in or from the Caribbean EEZ is 200 Queen Conch per day. This applies to a vessel that has at least one person on board with a valid commercial fishing license issued by the USVI DPNR. 50 CFR 622.477(e)— No person may harvest queen conch by diving by using a device that provides continuous air supply from the surface. 50 CFR 622.480(e)(1)— Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) apply to queen conch in the EEZ (see page 19). The ACL for queen conch for the St. Croix FMP is 50,000 pounds. 50 CFR 622.513(e)— No person may fish for or possess queen conch in or from the EEZ around St. Thomas and St. John. 2. Spiny Lobster: ST. CROIX FMP Size Limit: 50 CFR 622.2— Spiny lobster refers to the species Panulirus argus, or a part thereof. 50 CFR 622.481(c)— Minimum size is no less than 3.5 inches, carapace length (see page 16). APPENDIX 3—SUMMARY OF FISHING REGULATIONS: FEDERAL WATERS AROUND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FEDERAL WATERS EXTEND FROM 3 TO 200 NAUTICAL MILES OFFSHORE 38 Harvest Prohibition on egg-bearing Spiny Lobster: Landing Restrictions: ACLs and AMs: ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP Size Limit: Harvest Prohibition on egg-bearing Spiny Lobster: Landing Restrictions: ACLs and AMs: 50 CFR 622.485(c)(1)— Egg-bearing spiny lobster in the St. Croix EEZ must be returned to the water unharmed. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may be retained in a trap, provided the trap is returned immediately to the water. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may not be stripped, scraped, shaved, clipped, or in any other manner molested in order to remove the eggs. 50 CFR 622.485(c) (2)— Caribbean spiny lobster in or from the St. Croix EEZ must be maintained with head and carapace intact. 50 CFR 622.480(c)(1) — ACLs and AMs apply to spiny lobster in the EEZ (See pages 18-19). The ACL for spiny lobster under the St. Croix FMP is 120,830 pounds for 2024 (see page 19). 50 CFR 622.481(c) — Minimum size is no less than 3.5 inches, carapace length (See page 16). 50 CFR 622.520(c)(1) —Egg-bearing spiny lobster in the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ must be returned to the water unharmed. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may be retained in a trap, provided the trap is returned immedi- ately to the water. An egg-bearing spiny lobster may not be stripped, scraped, shaved, clipped, or in any other manner molested in order to re- move the eggs. 50 CFR 622.520(c)(2) —Spiny lobster in or from the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ must be maintained with head and carapace intact. 50 CFR 622.515(c) — ACLs and AMs apply to Spiny Lobster in the EEZ. The ACL for spiny lobster in the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ is 126,089 pounds for 2024 (see page 18). 3. Reef Fish: Harvest Prohibition: ST. CROIX FMP ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP: No harvest or possession of goliath grouper, nassau grouper, blue parrot- fish, midnight parrotfish, or rainbow parrotfish (see page 17). 50 CFR 622.478(a)— No harvest or possession. Such fish caught in the St. Croix EEZ must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. 50 CFR 622.513(a) — No harvest or possession. Such fish caught in the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. 39 4. Groupers: Seasonal Closures: ST. CROIX FMP ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP Red grouper, black grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, yellowedge grouper 50 CFR 622.479(b)(1)— February 1 through April 30, no fishing for or possession of these species in or from the St. Croix EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such grouper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. Yellowedge grouper is not federal- ly managed in the St. Croix EEZ, thus, this closure is not applicable to yel- lowedge grouper in federal waters around St. Croix. 50 CFR 622.514(b)(1)— February 1 through April 30, no fishing for or possession of these species in or from the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such grouper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. 5. Snappers: Seasonal Closures: ST. CROIX FMP ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP ST. CROIX FMP ST.THOMAS/ ST.JOHN FMP Size Limit: ST. CROIX FMP ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP Black snapper, blackfin snapper, silk snapper, and vermillion snapper 50 CFR 622.479(b)(2)— October 1 through December 31, no fishing for or possession of these species in or from the St. Croix EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. 50 CFR 622.514(b)(2)— October 1 through December 31, no fishing for or possession of these species in or from the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. Lane snapper and mutton snapper: 50 CFR 622.479(b)(3)— April 1 through June 30, no fishing for or pos- session of these species in or from the St. Croix EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. 50 CFR 622.514(b)(3)— April 1 through June 30, no fishing for or pos- session of these species in or from the Caribbean EEZ (see page 14). This prohibition on possession does not apply to such snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure. Yellowtail Snapper: 50 CFR 622.481(a)(1)— Minimum size is 12 inches total length (See page 16). 50 CFR 622.481(a)(1)— Minimum size is 12 inches total length (See page 16). 40 6. Parrotfishes: Other Parrotfishes: ST. CROIX FMP Size Limits: ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN FMP Size Limits: 50 CFR 622.481(a)(2)— 9-inch fork length minimum size for all allowable parrotfish species in the St. Croix EEZ (including princess, queen, striped, redtail, stoplight, and redfin parrotfish; see page 16). 50 CFR 622.481(a)(3)— 8-inch fork length minimum size for redband parrotfish (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) applicable to all fishers in the St. Croix EEZ (see page 16). No minimum size limits for harvest of parrotfishes in the St. Thomas/ St. John EEZ. 7. Restrictions on Reef Fish Sale/ Purchase: 50 CFR 622.483(a) and 50 CFR 622.518(a)— Live red hind or live mutton snapper in or from the St. Croix EEZ and the St. Thomas/St. John EEZ may not be sold or purchased and used in the marine aquarium trade. 8. Prohibited Gear and Methods: Reef Fish Spiny Lobster 50 CFR 622.477 and 50 CFR 622.512(a)(1)— Explosives, poisons, drugs, or other chemicals may not be used to fish for Caribbean reef fish in the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ (a)(2)— A powerhead may not be used in the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ to harvest Caribbean reef fish. The possession of a mutilated Caribbean reef fish in or from the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ and a powerhead is evidence that such fish was harvested illegally. (a)(3)— A gillnet or trammel net may not be used to fish for Caribbean reef f (see page 13). Possession of a gill or trammel net and any Caribbean reef fish is evidence of violation. 50 CFR 622.477(c)(1) and 50 CFR 622.512(c)(1)— A spear, hook, or similar device may not be used in the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ to har- vest a spiny lobster (see page 13). The possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured Caribbean spiny lobster in or from the St. Croix or St. Thom- as/St. John EEZ is evidence of violation. 50 CFR 622.477(c)(2) and 50 CFR 622.512(c)(2)— A gillnet or trammel net may not be used in the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ to fish for spiny lobster (see page 13). Possession of a gillnet or trammel net and any Caribbean spiny lobster in or from the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ is evidence of a violation of this paragraph. 9. Reef Fish ACLs and AMs: 50 CFR 622.480(a & b) and 622.515(a & b)— ACLs and AMs apply to all managed reef fish species in the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John EEZ. (See pages 18-19). 41 10. Spiny Lobster and Reef Fish Traps: Marking: Unmarked Traps/ Buoys: Trap Tending: Reef Fish Trap Specifications: Minimum Mesh Size: Escape Mechanisms: Lobster Trap Specifications: 50 CFR 622.474 and 50 CFR 622.509— All spiny lobster and reef fish traps must display the official number specified for the vessel by the USVI. All individual traps or end of trap lines require a surface buoy that must display the official number and color code. An unmarked trap or an un- marked buoy deployed is illegal and may be disposed of by an authorized officer. 50 CFR 622.475 and 50 CFR 622.510— A spiny lobster or a reef fish trap may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized of- ficer) aboard the trap owner’s vessel or aboard another vessel if such ves- sel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or if the trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his identification number and color code. 50 CFR 622.475 and 50 CFR 622.510— A bare-wire fish trap that has hex- agonal mesh openings must have a minimum mesh size of 1.5 inch in the smallest dimension measured between centers of opposite strands. A bare-wire fish trap that has other than hexagonal mesh openings or a fish trap of other than bare-wire, such as coasted wire or plastic, must have a minimum mesh size of 2-inches in the smallest dimension measured be- tween centers of opposite strands. A fish trap must have a panel located on one side of the trap, excluding the top, bottom, and side containing the trap entrance. The opening covered by the panel must measure not less than 8 by 8 inches. The mesh size of the panel may not be smaller than the mesh size of the trap. The panel must be attached to the trap with untreated jute twine with a diameter not exceeding 1/8-inch, and such fastening is at the top of the door so that the door will fall open when such twine degrades. Jute twine used to se- cure a panel may not be wrapped or overlapped. A spiny lobster trap must contain on any vertical side or on the top, a pane no smaller in diameter than the throat or entrance of the trap. The panel must be made of or attached to the trap by either: untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not exceeding 1/8-inch. This includes, but is not limited to, tyre palm, hemp, jute, cotton, wool, silk, or ungalva- nized or uncoated iron wire with diameter not exceeding 1/16-inch that is, 16-gauge wire. 11. Corals: Prohibited Corals: 50 CFR 622.478(d) and 50 CFR 622.513(d) — A coral, sea cucumber, or sea urchin may not be fished for or possessed in or from the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ. The taking of corals, sea urchins, and sea cucum- bers in the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ is not considered unlawful possession provided it is returned immediately to the sea in the general area of fishing. 42 Sale/Purchase Restriction: 50 CFR 622.483(c) and 50 CFR 622.518(c)— Caribbean prohibited coral may not be purchased or sold in the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John EEZ. 12. Billfish, Swordfish, Tuna & Sharks: HMS Commercial, Recreational, and Dealer Compliance Guides: 50 CFR 635— The NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species Management Division regulates billfish, swordfish, Atlantic tunas (bigeye, albacore, skipjack, yellowfin, bluefin), and sharks in the U.S. Caribbean waters. For more information, contact the HMS Management Division at 727-824- 5399, visit the Atlantic HMS Management Division Website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species) or the websites below. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/ atlantic-highly-migratory-species-fishery-compliance-guides Permit Information: NOAA Permit Shop 888-872-8862 Greater Atlantic Region Permits Office 978-828-8438 Southeast Regional Permits Office 877-3764877 Retention and Size Limits: An HMS recreational permit is required to recreationally fish for, take, re- tain, possess, or land Atlantic tunas in territorial and federal waters; and sharks, billfish and swordfish in Federal waters. An HMS commercial per- mit is required to commercially fish for, take, retain, possess, land or sell Atlantic tunas in territorial and federal waters; and sharks and swordfish in federal waters. For more information, contact the HMS Management Division at 727-824-5399. To purchase permits please vist the websites below (numbers provided are for permit shop customer service). https://hmspermits.noaa.gov Permit Types: Atlantic HMS Angling permit (recreational) HMS Charter/Headboat permit Atlantic Tunas permits (General Category. Harpoon) Swordfish General Commercial https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/permits/index.html Permit: Atlantic Tuna Dealer (Bigeye, Albacore, Skipjack, Yellowfin, Bluefin Tuna) Sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/permits Permit Types: Commercial Caribbean Small Boat Permit Atlantic Tunas Longline Shark Directed/Incidental and Dealer Swordfish Directed/Incidental and Dealer Retention and size limits vary for swordfish, sharks, bluefin tuna, BAYS (bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, skipjack) tunas, and marlin depending on the type of permit, the type of fishing (recreational or commercial), the condi- tion of the fish, and in-season adjustments to retention limit, among other things. Please see the HMS Compliance Guides listed above or call the HMS Management Division at 727-824-5399 for latest retention and size limit information 43 HMS Reporting: Fishers and dealers must comply with commercial and recreational re- porting requirements. See the HMS Compliance Guides listed above for the HMS Management Division with questions. Recreational billfish landings and bluefin tuna landings and dead discards must be reported within 24 hours online at www.hmspermits.noaa.gov, or by calling the Billfish Reporting Line (800-894-5528) and the Bluefin Tuna Reporting Line (888-872-8862). 13. Sea Turtles: 50 CFR 17.11— No harvest, possession, or harassment of sea turtles or their eggs (See pages 17 and 21). 14. Seabirds: 50 CFR 10.12— Seabirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To minimize injury to seabirds, do not discard fishing line at sea. 16. Year-Round Closures: Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD), St. Thomas: 50 CFR 622.514(a)(2)— No fishing for any species, and no anchoring by fishing vessels. See Appendix 6, page 47 for coordinates and map of boundaries. 17. Seasonal Area Closures: Grammanik Bank, St. Thomas: Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation, St. Croix: Red Hind Spawning Aggregation Area, East of St. Croix: Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in the three seasonally closed areas specified be- low. 50 CFR 622.514(a)(1)— February 1 through April 30, no person may fish or possess any species of fish, except highly migratory species, in or from the Grammanik Bank closed area. “Fish” means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds. “Highly migratory species” means bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; sharks and white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, and longbill spearfish. See Appen- dix 6, page 47 for coordinates and map of boundaries. 50 CFR 622.479(a)(1)— March 1 through June 30, no fishing in that part of this area that is in the EEZ. See Appendix 7, page 48 for coordinates and a map of boundaries for the Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation sea- sonal closure area. 50 CFR 622.479(a)(2)— December 1 through the last day of February, no fishing for any species. See Appendix 7, page 48 for coordinates and map of boundaries of the Red Hind Spawning Aggregation seasonal clo- sure area. 18. General Provisions: Filleting: 50 CFR 600.1200-1203— Sharks must be landed with fins naturally at- tached to the carcass. Finning at sea is prohibited. Shark fins that are not naturally attached may not be landed, transferred, possessed, purchased, or sold. 50 CFR 622.10(a)— Finfish must be maintained with head and fins intact. 44 Anchoring: 50 CFR 600.1203; 50 CFR 635.30—Sharks, billfish swordfish, and tunas may not be filleted at sea. 50 CFR 635.30— Billfish must be landed with heads, fins, and bill intact through offloading. Atlantic tunas must be maintained through offload- ing either in round form or eviscerated with the head and fins removed, provided one pectoral fin and the tail remain attached. The upper and lower lobes of the tuna tail may be removed for storage purposes as long as the fork of the tail remains intact. Sharks must not have the backbone removed and must not be halved, quartered, filleted, or otherwise re- duced. All fins, including the tail, must remain naturally attached to the shark through offloading. 50 CFR 622.10(c)(1)— Bait is exempt from requirement to be maintained with head and fins intact. 50 CFR 622.10(c)(2)— Legal-sized finfish possessed for consumption at sea on the harvesting vessel are exempt from the requirements to have head and fins intact, provided: (i) such finfish do not exceed any applica- ble bag limit,; (ii) such finfish do not exceed 1.5lb (680 g) of finfish parts per person aboard; and (iii) the vessel is equipped to cook such finfish on board. 50 CFR 622.476 and 50 CFR 622.511— Any fishing vessel, recreational or commercial that fishes for or possesses Caribbean reef fish must ensure that the vessel uses only an anchor retrieval system that recovers the an- chor by its crown, thereby preventing the anchor from dragging along the bottom during recovery. For a grapnel hook, this could include an incor- porated anchor rode reversal bar that runs parallel along the shank, which allows the rode to reverse and slip back toward the crown. For a fluke– or plow-type anchor, a trip line consisting of a line from the crown of the anchor to a surface buoy would be required. 45 A. Inner Mangrove Lagoon – No fishing or take of any natural resources is allowed. No internal combustion engines. Electric motors, sails or paddles are acceptable. Engines cause wakes, noise, and pollution. B. Cas Cay/Mangrove Lagoon – No fishing or take of any natural resources is allowed, except that use of a cast net for baitfish within 50 feet of the north and west shorelines of Cas Cay is allowed only with a permit from DPNR Division of Environmental Enforcement (340-774-3320). C. St. James – No fishing or take of any natural resources is allowed, except that bait fishing using a cast net within 50 feet of the shoreline (except for Cow and Calf Rocks) and fishing by hook and line is allowed with a permit from DPNR Division of Env. Enforcement (340-774-3320). D. Compass Point Salt Pond – No fishing, hunting, or take of any natural resources is allowed within this marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary. APPENDIX 4— ST. THOMAS EAST END RESERVES (STEER) AND OFFSHORE WILDLIFE AND MARINE SANCTUARIES These areas have been protected for a variety of reasons, all of which will benefit your use and enjoy- ment of our marine natural resources. These marine reserves: 1. Contribute to commercial and recreational fishery resources by protecting a portion of spawn- ing stock from exploitation. 2. Preserve important coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass habitat for larval, juvenile, and adult fish and invertebrates, such as lobster and conch 3. Provide coastal and marine viewing and recreation areas for the public, snorkelers and SCUBA divers, school groups, and scientists. For more information on these marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, please call DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife at (340) 773-1082. To obtain permits or to report violations, contact the Division of Environmental Enforcement at (340) 774-3320. 46 APPENDIX 5— ST CROIX EAST END MARINE PARK (STXEEMP) ZONE REGULATIONS No-Take Zone – Traditional fishing (including spearfishing, fish traps/pots, gillnets, lobster, whelk and conch harvesting) is prohibited in this zone [Section 98-5(d)(2)]. Removal of, injury to, or pos- session of living or dead coral (without a permit) is prohibited [Section 98-4(a)(1)]. Allows snorkel- ing, diving (with a flag), and boating. Operating a personal watercraft is prohibited. The seaward boundaries of this zone are marked in the water with a series of white spar buoys. Recreational Zone – Traditional fishing (including spearfishing, fish traps/pots, gillnets, lobster, whelk and conch harvesting) is prohibited in this zone. [Section 98-5(d)(2)]. Removal of, injury to, or possession of living or dead coral (without a permit) is prohibited. [Section 98-4(a)(1)]. Allows snorkeling, diving (with a flag), and boating. Recreational shoreline line fishing (to 100 ft from shore) is permitted from Green Cay Marina to Cottongarden Point (north shore) and from Grapetree Point to Milord Point (south shore). Special Marine Park permits may be issued for cast-net bait fish- ing and catch-and-release guide fishing (please check with the Park for the status of permits which are in development). Personal watercraft are permitted in this zone. Wildlife Preservation Zone / “Sea Turtle Preserve” – Protects nesting female sea turtles using beaches in East End, Isaac, Jack, and Boiler Bays to lay eggs (St. Croix East End Marine Park Manage- ment Plan; V.I.C, Title 12, Chapter 1, §98). Open Zone / Park Wide – Taking or injuring coral, altering the seabed, discharging materials, groundings, anchoring on hard bottom or coral communities, and diving without a flag are prohibit- ed. 47 APPENDIX 6— ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN DISTRICT AREA CLOSURES HIND BANK MARINE CONSERVA- TION DISTRICT, ST. THOMAS The Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (MCD) is closed year- round. Fishing for any species and anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited in this 14-square mile area south of western St. Thomas. The following points define the cor- ners of the closed area: A – 18° 13.2’ N, 65° 06.0’ W B – 18° 13.2’ N, 64° 59.0’ W C – 18° 11.8’ N, 64° 59.0’ W D – 18° 10.7’ N, 65° 06.0’ W GRAMMANIK BANK SEASONAL CLOSURE, ST. THOMAS February 1 to April 30 February 1 through April 30, no person may fish for or possess any species of fish, except highly migra- tory species (bluefin, bigeye, yellow- fin, albacore, skipjack tunas; sword- fish; sharks; billfish), in or from the Grammanik Bank closed area. The following points define the corners of this closed area: A – 18° 11.898’ N, 64° 56.328’ W B – 18° 11.645’ N, 64° 56.225’ W C – 18° 11.058’ N, 64° 57.810’ W D – 18° 11.311’ N, 64° 57.913’ W Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets, or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in both Hind Bank Marine Conservation District and Grammanik Bank Seasonal Closure Area. 48 APPENDIX 7— ST. CROIX DISTRICT AREA CLOSURES LANG BANK RED HIND SPAWNING AGGREGATION SEASONAL CLOSURE, ST. CROIX December 1 to the last day of February The Lang Bank Red Hind Spawn- ing Aggregation seasonal closure is from December 1 to the last day of February. Fishing is pro- hibited during these months. The following points define the bound- aries of this closed area: A – 17° 50.2’ N, 64° 27.9’ W B – 17° 50.1’ N, 64° 26.1’ W C – 17° 49.2’ N, 64° 25.8’ W D – 17° 48.6’ N, 64° 25.8’ W E – 17° 48.1’ N, 64° 26.1’ W F – 17° 47.5’ N, 64° 26.9’ W MUTTON SNAPPER SPAWNING AGGREGATION SEASONAL CLOSURE, ST. CROIX March 1 to June 30 From March 1 through June 30, fishing is prohibited in the part of the Mutton Snapper Spawning Ag- gregation that is located within the Exclusive Economic Zone. This area is defined by the follow- ing points: A— 17° 37.8’ N, 64° 53.0’ W B— 17° 39.0’ N, 64° 53.0’ W C— 17°39.0’N, 64° 50.5’ W D— 17° 38.1’ N, 64° 50.5’ W E— 17° 37.8’ N, 64° 52.5’ W Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets or trammel nets is prohibited year-round in both Lang Bank Red Hind Spawning Aggregation Seasonal Closure and Mutton Snapper Spawn- ing Aggregation Seasonal Closure Areas. 49 The DPNR Hotline is a tool for our community members to alert us when you see activity affecting our natural resources. Connect with the Divisions of Environmental Enforcement, Coastal Zone Man- agement, Environmental Protection, Building Permits, and Fish & Wildlife to help us take care of our important natural resources! Submit your report anonymously, and don't forget to check back for your updates! Reports can also be submitted online at dpnr.vi.gov/home/dpnr-hotline . If this is an emergency, please call 911. 50 CONTACT INFORMATION FOR RELEVANT AGENCIES AND HELPFUL RESOURCES Medical Contacts St. Thomas Hospital Roy L. Schneider Hospital………………………………………..……….…...(340) 776-8311 St. Croix Hospital Juan F. Luis Hospital………………………………………………..….…….…....... (340) 778-6311 Morris F. deCastro Clinic……………………………….…………………………………….……….……... (340) 776-6400 Morris F. deCastro Fire Department………………………………………………………...……………(340)776-6333 Poison Information………………………………………………………………………………………...….. 1-800-222-1222 SCUBA Emergencies St. Thomas Hyperbaric Chamber....……………………………………………….……………… (340) 776-8311 (ER) St. Croix SCUBA emergencies……………... ………………………………….……..…………….. (340) 778-6311 (ER) Divers Alert Network (DAN)……………………………………...…………........ (919) 684-2948/ (919)684-9111 U.S. Coast Guard St. Thomas/St. John (duty phone)……….……………………….……...…….. (340) 344-3537/ (340)776-3497 St. Croix (duty phone)………………………………………………………………………………...………. (340) 719-9611 Search and Rescue ……..……………………………………………….…………… (787) 289-2040/ (787)289-2041 USCG 24-Hour Emergency Line…………………………………………………..………………………..(787) 289-2041 SeaTow…………………………………………………………………………………………………..………. (1-800) 473-2869 USVI Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) St. Thomas..………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….. (340) 774-2244 St. John...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (340) 776-6444 St. Croix.……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………. (340) 773-2244 National Park Service St. Thomas/St. John…………………………………………………………………………………..………... (340) 776-6201 St. Croix……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….. (340) 773-1460 NOAA Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office………………………………….(727) 824-5301 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division…………………………………………...……………….(727) 824-5399 Caribbean Fishery Management Council………………………………………………………………..(787) 766-5926 USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources DPNR St. Thomas/St. John…………………………….………………………………………….……........ (340) 774-3320 DPNR St. Croix..…………………………………………………….………………………………………..........(340) 773-1082 Division of Environmental Enforcement St. Thomas/St. John.…………………….................................................................................................. (340) 774-3320 St. Croix……………………………………………………………………………………………….……………. (340) 773-5774 Coastal Zone Management Toxic Spills…………………………………………….………………………………………………………….. (800) 424-8802 St. Croix East End Marine Park ……………………………………………………….………………… (340) 718-3367 Division of Fish and Wildlife St. Thomas/St. John.………………………………………………………………….………………………...(340) 775-6762 St. Croix…………………………………………………………………………………….………………………..(340) 773-1082 Image created by Paul Borghi DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 6747 Estate Nadir #27 St. Thomas, VI 00802 (340) 775-6762 45 Mars Hill Complex Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI 00840 (340) 773-1082 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT VIYA Building Tutu Park Mall St. Thomas, VI 00802 (340) 774-3320 6003 Anna’s Hope Christiansted St. Croix, VI 00821 (340) 773-5774