British Virgin Islands
Americas · Caribbean
Spearfishing is prohibited in the British Virgin Islands. Under section 50(1) of the Virgin Islands Fisheries Act, 1997 (No. 4 of 1997), no person may use a speargun, SCUBA diving equipment, explosive, poison or other noxious substance for fishing in the fishery waters. It is illegal to even use or carry on board a fishing vessel any spear gun or SCUBA equipment for fishing or harvesting marine products. According to the official Government of the Virgin Islands notice, where such prohibited gear is found on a vessel a presumption arises (under s.50(2)) that the persons intended to fish in the fishery waters unless the contrary is proved; the same notice states the offence carries a maximum fine of USD 15,000 on summary conviction (attributed to s.63(a)). The exact statutory wording of s.50(2) and s.63 could not be verified against the consolidated Act (the 1997 Act is not yet published on the official Virgin Islands Laws Online portal and is not on FAOLEX), so those provisions are described from the official notice rather than quoted verbatim. The prohibition applies to residents, foreigners and tourists with no recreational exception, and spearguns/Hawaiian slings may be confiscated by Customs on arrival. The Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022 contemplates allowing spearfishing, but as of February 2025 it had not been brought into force by notice in the Gazette and the supporting regulations remained in drafting, so spearfishing remained illegal under the 1997 Act and the 2003 Fisheries Regulations.
Naposledy aktualizováno Únor 1, 2025
Řídící rámec
- §Fisheries Act, 1997 (No. 4 of 1997)
- §Fisheries Regulations, 2003
- §Fisheries (Fishing Priority Areas and Protected Areas) Order, 2011 (Statutory Instrument 2011 No. 69)
- §Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 28)
- §Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022 (assented but not yet in force as of 2025)
- Povolení povinné
- Povinné
- Harpuna
- Zakázáno
- Potápění s přístrojem
- Zakázáno
- Cizinci
- Není povoleno
- Max. harpun
- 0
Zákon doslova
Právní texty
Přesná zákonná a regulační ustanovení upravující harpunový rybolov zde, citovaná tak, jak byla zveřejněna, s odkazem na každý oficiální zdroj.
Prohibited fishing methods - spearguns and SCUBA (Fisheries Act 1997 s.50(1), as quoted in the official Government of the Virgin Islands notice)
Virgin Islands Fisheries Act, 1997 (No. 4 of 1997)
Subject to section 35 (2), no person shall use any speargun, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving equipment, explosive, poison or other noxious substance for fishing in the fishery waters.
Prohibited fishing methods (recreational fishing guide)
Conservation and Fisheries Department - Guide to Recreational (Pleasure and Sport) Fishing
In the BVI it is illegal to use or carry onboard a fishing vessel any spear gun, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving equipment, explosive, poison or other noxious substances for fishing or harvesting of marine products in the fishery waters. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There is a maximum fine of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15 000.00) for this violation.
Fishing prohibited in protected areas
Fisheries (Fishing Priority Areas and Protected Areas) Order, 2011 (Statutory Instrument 2011 No. 69), made under section 13(1)(a) and (b) of the Fisheries Act, 1997 (No. 4 of 1997)
No person shall engage in the fishing of any fish in the protected area otherwise than under the authority, and in accordance with the terms and conditions, of a licence issued under the Fisheries Act, 1997.
Prohibition of fishing for sharks
Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 28), made under section 14(1) of the Fisheries Act 1997
No person shall (a) remove from the fishery waters or intentionally engage in the fishing for sharks or any of their parts; (b) intentionally remove the fins, tail or mutilate any shark; (c) sell, purchase or have in his or her possession any shark, shark parts or shark products; (d) export or import any shark, shark parts or shark products; (e) feed, attempt to feed, provide or use food to attract any shark in the fishery waters.
Prohibition of fishing for rays
Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 28), made under section 14(1) of the Fisheries Act 1997
No person shall (a) remove from the fishery waters or intentionally engage in the fishing for rays or any of their parts; (b) intentionally mutilate any ray; (c) sell, purchase or have in his or her possession any ray, ray parts or ray products; (d) export or import any ray, ray parts or ray products; (e) feed, attempt to feed, provide or use food to attract any ray in the fishery waters.
Offence and penalty for taking protected species (sharks/rays)
Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 28)
Any person who contravenes sections 2 or 3 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars.
Kdy se můžete potápět
Sezóny a časová omezení
Uzavřená, otevřená a omezená období v průběhu roku. Místní uzavření pro konkrétní druhy vždy ověřte.
- UzavřenoMargateLed 1 – Bře 31
Closed season for Margate (Jan 1 - Mar 31).
- UzavřenoRed HindLed 1 – Bře 31
Closed season for Red Hind (Jan 1 - Mar 31).
- UzavřenoNassau GrouperBře 1 – Kvě 31
Closed season for Nassau Grouper (Mar 1 - May 31).
- UzavřenoLobsterČvc 31 – Říj 31
Closed season for Lobster, printed verbatim as 'Jul 31 - Oct 31' in the official Conservation and Fisheries Department recreational fishing guide. The single-day-late July 31 start is reproduced exactly as published (it likely reflects a closure running effectively from end of July through October).
- UzavřenoConchSrp 15 – Říj 31
Closed season for Conch (Aug 15 - Oct 31).
- UzavřenoWhelkSrp 15 – Říj 31
Closed season for Whelk (Aug 15 - Oct 31).
- UzavřenoHawksbill Turtle and Green TurtleDub 1 – Lis 30
Closed season for Hawksbill Turtle and Green Turtle (Apr 1 - Nov 30).
Povolení k rybolovu
Povolení
Co potřebujete k legálnímu vstupu do vody, kolik to stojí a jak to získat.
Application forms requested and returned by fax (1-284-468-2781) or email (cfd@gov.vg), accompanied by a copy of a valid photo ID (passport or driver's licence). Processed by the Conservation and Fisheries Department, Road Town, Tortola. Tel: 1-284-468-2700.
Získejte povoleníOtevře oficiální portál · bvi.gov.vg
- Typ
- Certificate of Registration and Fishery Licence (recreational pleasure fishing); a temporary pleasure fishing licence valid for one month is available. Note: licences cover rod/hand-line angling only - spearfishing is prohibited and no spearfishing licence exists.
- Cena
- Temporary pleasure fishing licence approximately USD 45.00 (valid one month)
- Platnost
- Temporary pleasure fishing licence valid for one month
- Jak získat
- Application forms requested and returned by fax (1-284-468-2781) or email (cfd@gov.vg), accompanied by a copy of a valid photo ID (passport or driver's licence). Processed by the Conservation and Fisheries Department, Road Town, Tortola. Tel: 1-284-468-2700.
- Úřad
- Conservation and Fisheries Department (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries), Government of the British Virgin Islands
Vybavení a technika
Pravidla pro vybavení
Jaké vybavení je povoleno, jak se smí používat a jaké jsou podmínky.
Omezení
- Spearguns are prohibited for fishing/harvesting marine products in the fishery waters (Fisheries Act 1997 s.50(1)).
- SCUBA diving equipment may not be used for fishing or harvesting marine products.
- Explosives, poison and other noxious substances are prohibited for fishing.
- It is illegal to even carry a spear gun or SCUBA gear onboard a fishing vessel for fishing; possession on a vessel raises a presumption of intent to fish unlawfully (s.50(2)).
- Spearguns and Hawaiian slings may be confiscated by the Customs Department upon arrival in the Territory.
Recreational (pleasure) fishing is limited to rods and hand-lines; sport fishing is catch-and-release for big game such as marlin and sailfish, with release of marlin strongly encouraged.
Co smíte ulovit
Limity úlovků a chráněné druhy
Denní kvóty, minimální velikosti a druhy, které nesmíte nikdy lovit.
Denní limit
Pleasure fishing for personal consumption: maximum retention of 30 lbs of fish per boat.
Chráněné druhy — neulovit
- ChráněnoSharks (all species - Fisheries (Protected Species) Order 2014)
- ChráněnoRays (all species - Fisheries (Protected Species) Order 2014)
- ChráněnoLeatherback Turtle (moratorium / no take)
- ChráněnoLoggerhead Turtle (moratorium / no take)
- ChráněnoJewfish / Goliath Grouper (moratorium / no take)
- ChráněnoHawksbill Turtle (closed season Apr 1 - Nov 30)
- ChráněnoGreen Turtle (closed season Apr 1 - Nov 30)
- ChráněnoNassau Grouper (closed season Mar 1 - May 31)
Moratoriums (NO TAKE) apply to Leatherback Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles and Jewfish (Goliath Grouper). Sharks and rays are fully protected under the Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (limited subsistence/scientific exceptions for licensed local fishermen/permit holders). Closed seasons apply to Margate, Red Hind, Nassau Grouper, Lobster, Conch, Whelk and marine turtles. Since spearfishing is prohibited, these limits are relevant to permitted rod/hand-line fishing.
Kdo smí rybařit
Návštěvníci a rezidenti
Jak se pravidla liší pro zahraniční návštěvníky a místní rezidenty.
Zahraniční návštěvníci
Není povolenoPožadavky
- Foreign vessels engaged in recreational fishing require a Certificate of Registration and Fishery Licence to fish in BVI waters.
Omezení
- Spearfishing is prohibited for everyone, including tourists and foreigners - there is no recreational, tourist or commercial exception.
- Bringing a spear gun or Hawaiian sling into the Territory may result in confiscation by the Customs Department on arrival.
Foreigners may obtain a recreational fishing licence for rod/hand-line angling, but spearfishing is not permitted under any licence.
Rezidenti
Certificate of Registration and Fishery Licence (recreational); separate commercial fisherman registration for licensed local fishermen
Požadavky
- Local vessels engaged in recreational fishing require a Certificate of Registration and Fishery Licence.
Výhody
- Licensed local fishermen have limited subsistence exception for fishing certain non-endangered sharks under the Fisheries (Protected Species) Order 2014.
Spearfishing is prohibited for residents as well; no spearfishing exception currently exists in law.
Kde na pobřeží
Povolené a zakázané zóny
Pojmenované oblasti, které jsou otevřeny nebo uzavřeny pro harpunový rybolov. Celkový obraz zobrazte na interaktivní mapě.
Zakázané oblasti
- Horse Shoe Reef, Anegadamarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including mooring of boats, diving, building construction and fishing.
- Beef Island Channelmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Hans Creek, Beef Islandmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- The Sound, Ginger Islandmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Big Reef, Peter Islandmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Green Caymarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- North Bay, Guanamarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Frenchman's Caymarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Taylor Bay, Virgin Gordamarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- South Sound, Virgin Gordamarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- The Sound, Salt Islandmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Money Bay, Norman Islandmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Santa Monica Rockmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Dead Chestmarine protected area
Fisheries Protected Area (Marine Protected Area). ALL human activity (save snorkeling) is prohibited, including fishing.
- Rhone National Marine Park (RMS Rhone, Salt Island to Dead Chest)national marine park
The BVI's first and only national sea park (designated 1980), ~800 acres of marine waters between Salt Island and Dead Chest Island, encompassing the RMS Rhone wreck off Lee Bay, Salt Island. Managed by the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands. National park policies prohibit anchoring, fishing and land access to protect the reefs and habitats; mooring buoys are provided in lieu of anchoring. Spearfishing is in any case banned BVI-wide.
Podmínky na vodě
Živé podmínky
Živý snímek mořských a meteorologických podmínek u pobřežního referenčního bodu v British Virgin Islands od Open-Meteo. Podmínky se podél pobřeží liší — berte jako orientační.
Živé mořské podmínky a počasí u Horse Shoe Reef, Anegada.
Koho se zeptat
Úřady
Oficiální orgány odpovědné za rybolov a vydávání povolení.
Conservation and Fisheries Department (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries)
fisheries authority
bvi.gov.vgP.O. Box 3323, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 468-2700; Fax: (284) 468-2781; Email: cfd@gov.vgGovernment of the Virgin Islands - Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
environment ministry
bvi.gov.vgRoad Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Odkud to pochází
Zdroje
Každé tvrzení na této stránce se opírá o jeden z těchto zdrojů.
- [01]
Speargun Fishing Is Strictly Prohibited - Government of the Virgin Islands (official notice, 25 May 2020)
Oficiálníbvi.gov.vgPřístup získán Úno 1 - [02]
Guide to Recreational (Pleasure and Sport) Fishing - Conservation and Fisheries Department
Oficiálníbvi.gov.vgPřístup získán Úno 1 - [03]
Fisheries (Protected Species) Order, 2014 (SI 2014 No. 28) - FAOLEX full text
Oficiálnífaolex.fao.orgPřístup získán Úno 1 - [04]
Fisheries (Fishing Priority Areas and Protected Areas) Order, 2011 (SI 2011 No. 69) - FAOLEX full text (lists the 14 protected areas and the section 4 fishing prohibition)
Oficiálnífaolex.fao.orgPřístup získán Čvn 16 - [05]
Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022 - Government of the Virgin Islands
Oficiálníbvi.gov.vgPřístup získán Úno 1 - [06]
Spearfishing illegal for now, premier says - The BVI Beacon
Sekundárníbvibeacon.comPřístup získán Úno 1 - [07]
Farming, fishing law is still not enacted - The BVI Beacon
Sekundárníbvibeacon.comPřístup získán Úno 1 - [08]
Is Spearfishing Allowed in the BVI? - Lancaster Scuba
communitylancasterscuba.comPřístup získán Úno 1
Poznámky výzkumníka
Spearfishing is illegal in the British Virgin Islands. The core prohibition is Fisheries Act 1997 (No. 4 of 1997) s.50(1) (no speargun/SCUBA/explosive/poison for fishing), reinforced by the Fisheries Regulations 2003 and the official Conservation and Fisheries Department recreational fishing guide. The official Government notice attributes the maximum fine of USD 15,000 to s.63(a) and a presumption-of-intent rule to s.50(2); however the consolidated Fisheries Act 1997 could not be retrieved (it is not yet published on the official Virgin Islands Laws Online portal, laws.gov.vg, and is not on FAOLEX), so the verbatim wording of s.50(2) and s.63 could not be confirmed. To avoid presenting paraphrase as statute, the previous s.50(2) and s.63(a) law_texts entries (which were summaries, not quotes) were removed; their substance is retained in the legal_status summary with explicit attribution to the official notice. The Act number (No. 4 of 1997) is corroborated by the Fisheries (Fishing Priority Areas and Protected Areas) Order, 2011 (SI 2011 No. 69), whose verbatim section 4 is now cited from FAOLEX as the in-force legal basis for the protected-area fishing ban; FAOLEX separately mislabels the Act as 'No. 18 of 1997'. The Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022, which would permit spearfishing (without SCUBA), received the Governor's assent but had NOT been brought into force by Gazette notice as of February 2025, with supporting regulations still in drafting; until commencement, spearfishing remains prohibited. Permitted recreational fishing is rod/hand-line pleasure fishing (30 lbs per boat personal-consumption cap) and catch-and-release sport fishing; both require a licence. 14 Fisheries Protected Areas (MPAs) ban all activity except snorkeling (confirmed against both the recreational guide and the 2011 Order). Only 2 MPAs (Horse Shoe Reef/Anegada area, Dead Chest) carry coordinates, and those are approximate centroids derived from gazetteer data, not from the legal instrument; remaining MPAs lack precise published coordinates and are left without coordinates to avoid fabrication. Confidence is medium: the legal status (prohibited) is well-sourced from official government material, but two penalty/presumption provisions rest on an official press notice's paraphrase rather than the verifiable consolidated statute.
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