United States Virgin Islands
Americas · Caribbean
Recreational spearfishing is legal in the U.S. Virgin Islands in most Territorial waters (shore to 3 nautical miles). Spear fishing is statutorily defined and permitted gear, but it is heavily restricted: it is prohibited inside National Park Service waters (Virgin Islands National Park, Buck Island Reef National Monument, Salt River Bay, V.I. Coral Reef National Monument) and inside the territorial marine reserves and no-take/recreational zones of the St. Croix East End Marine Park. Spears/hooks may NOT be used to take spiny lobster anywhere in Territorial or Federal (EEZ) waters, and SCUBA/hookah (compressed-air) gear may not be used to harvest marine resources in Territorial waters. Hookah gear is expressly banned. Numerous protected species (sea turtles, Goliath and Nassau grouper, blue/midnight/rainbow parrotfish, corals) may not be taken by any method, and several species have seasonal closures. A recreational fishing license (via GoOutdoors USVI / DPNR) became a requirement under rules signed October 7, 2022, with enforcement scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
Dernière mise à jour février 1, 2024
Cadre réglementaire
- §Virgin Islands Code, Title 12 (Conservation), Chapter 9A (Fish and Wildlife)
- §Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations (V.I.R.R.), Title 12, Chapter 9A
- §V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter VII (Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries / Territorial Marine Parks: §96, §98)
- §Code of Federal Regulations Title 50, Part 622 (U.S. Caribbean EEZ reef fish and spiny lobster)
- §Recreational fishing licensing rules signed October 7, 2022 (enforcement mid-2026)
- Licence requise
- Requise
- Fusil harpon
- Autorisé
- Plongée bouteille
- Interdit
- Étrangers
- Bienvenus
La loi, verbatim
Textes juridiques
Les dispositions législatives et réglementaires exactes qui régissent la chasse sous-marine ici, citées telles que publiées, avec un lien vers chaque source officielle.
Definition of Spear Fishing
Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 9A (definitions)
“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.
Prohibited methods - explosives, poisons, chemicals, spears, hooks
V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §322 (Fishing with explosives, poisons, drugs, chemicals, spears, hooks, or similar devices)
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.
Spearfishing equipment prohibited in Virgin Islands National Park
36 CFR 7.74 (Virgin Islands National Park special regulations)
Virgin Islands National Park (36 CFR 7.74) – ... Commercial fishing is prohibited. Fishing using rod and reel, or handline is permitted. Fishing 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 equipment 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.
All fishing and fishing equipment prohibited - Buck Island Reef National Monument
36 CFR 7.73 (Buck Island Reef National Monument special regulations)
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).
Spear gun prohibited - Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §96 (Salt River Bay sanctuary)
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, St. Croix: 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 contrivance 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 sanctuary.
Spearfishing prohibited in St. Croix East End Marine Park No-Take and Recreational Zones
V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 1, §98 (St. Croix East End Marine Park), §98-5(d)(2)
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 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 Zone – Traditional fishing (including spearfishing, fish traps/pots, gillnets, lobster, whelk and conch harvesting) is prohibited in this zone [Section 98-5(d)(2)].
Spears/hooks may not be used to take spiny lobster (Territorial waters)
V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §319 (Caribbean Spiny Lobster gear restrictions)
Caribbean Spiny Lobster: V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §319. Size Limit: Minimum size limit of no less than 3.5 inches carapace length. Landing Restriction: Must be landed whole. No harvest of female with the presence of eggs. Gear Restrictions: 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.
Spear may not be used to harvest spiny lobster (Federal EEZ)
50 CFR 622.477(c)(1) and 50 CFR 622.512(c)(1)
Spiny Lobster: 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 harvest a Spiny Lobster. The possession of a speared, pierced, or punctured Caribbean Spiny Lobster in or from the St. Croix or St. Thomas/St. John EEZ is evidence of violation.
Hookah / compressed-air gear prohibited to harvest marine resources
V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §321(f)
V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §321(f) – Use of hookah gear to harvest marine resources in Territorial waters is prohibited.
Powerhead prohibited for Caribbean reef fish (Federal EEZ)
50 CFR 622.477 and 50 CFR 622.512(a)/(b)
Reef Fish: 50 CFR 622.477 and 50 CFR 622.512(a) – 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. (b) – 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.
Sea turtles - no harvest, possession or harassment
V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §318; Chapter 2 §105(b)
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.
Year-round prohibited species - Goliath/Nassau grouper, certain parrotfish
Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2005 (Goliath) and V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-14(e) (Nassau); 50 CFR 622.478/622.513
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. 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. (Federal EEZ) Reef Fish: No harvest or possession of Goliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Blue Parrotfish, Midnight Parrotfish, or Rainbow Parrotfish.
Quand vous pouvez plonger
Saisons et restrictions temporelles
Périodes de fermeture, d'ouverture et de restriction tout au long de l'année. Confirmez toujours localement les fermetures propres à chaque espèce.
- FerméeRed, Black, Tiger, Yellowfin & Yellowedge Grouper (Territorial waters)févr. 1 – avr. 30
No harvest or possession February 1 through April 30 in the territory. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-14(a). Mirrored in Federal EEZ under 50 CFR 622.479(b)(1) and 622.514(b)(1).
- FerméeBlack, Blackfin, Silk & Vermillion Snapper (St. Thomas/St. John district)oct. 1 – déc. 31
No harvest or possession October 1 through December 31 in St. Thomas/St. John district. St. Croix is exempt from the seasonal closure for these species in Territorial waters. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-13 and §316-14. Federal EEZ: 50 CFR 622.479(b)(2)/622.514(b)(2).
- FerméeLane & Mutton Snapper (territory)avr. 1 – juin 30
No possession from April 1 through June 30 for the territory. Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2015 (Mutton Snapper) and 2022 (Lane Snapper) under V.I.C., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316. Federal EEZ: 50 CFR 622.479(b)(3)/622.514(b)(3).
- FerméeQueen Conch (Territorial waters)juin 1 – oct. 31
No harvest or possession June 1 through October 31. Once June 1 is reached the season closes until November 1 of that year. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-1; Commissioner Prescribed Rule 2008.
- FerméeWhelk / West Indian Top Snail (Territorial waters)avr. 1 – sept. 30
No harvest or possession April 1 through September 30. V.I.R.R., Title 12, Chapter 9A, §316-5, 316-6 & 316-7.
- FerméeGoliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper (year-round prohibition)janv. 1 – déc. 31
Harvest and possession prohibited year-round in the territory (and federal EEZ). Treated as protected species rather than a seasonal closure.
Autorisation de pêcher
Licence
Ce dont vous avez besoin pour être autorisé dans l'eau, ce que cela coûte et comment l'obtenir.
Recreational licenses obtained online via GoOutdoors USVI (www.gooutdoorsusvi.com). Recreational licensing rules were signed October 7, 2022; enforcement scheduled to begin mid-2026. Commercial licenses via DPNR Division of Fish & Wildlife limited-entry application.
Obtenez votre licenceOuvre le portail officiel · dpnr.vi.gov
- Type
- Recreational fishing license (DPNR / GoOutdoors USVI). Separate commercial fishing license exists for commercial fishers.
- Coût
- unknown (recreational; certain groups may qualify for fee exemptions). Commercial license is a separate limited-entry process.
- Validité
- Annual (commercial licenses renew every July).
- Comment l'obtenir
- Recreational licenses obtained online via GoOutdoors USVI (www.gooutdoorsusvi.com). Recreational licensing rules were signed October 7, 2022; enforcement scheduled to begin mid-2026. Commercial licenses via DPNR Division of Fish & Wildlife limited-entry application.
- Autorité
- Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Fish and Wildlife
Matériel et technique
Règles d'équipement
Quel matériel est autorisé, comment il peut être utilisé et les conditions associées.
Restrictions
- Hand or mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear/lance (barbed or barbless) is the statutory definition of spear fishing and is permitted in open Territorial waters.
- Use of hookah gear to harvest marine resources in Territorial waters is prohibited (V.I.R.R. Title 12, Ch. 9A, §321(f)).
- Spears, hooks, or similar devices may NOT be used to take spiny lobster (Territorial waters §319; Federal EEZ 50 CFR 622.477(c)(1)/622.512(c)(1)).
- Powerheads may not be used to harvest Caribbean reef fish in the Federal EEZ (50 CFR 622.477(b)/622.512(b)).
- Spearfishing equipment may not be possessed or used inside Virgin Islands National Park (36 CFR 7.74).
- Spear guns are prohibited (possession or use) in Salt River Bay sanctuary and other designated marine reserves/sanctuaries.
- No explosives, poisons, drugs or other chemicals may be used to fish in Territorial or Federal waters (§322).
USVI does not impose a published numeric limit on number of spears/prongs. SCUBA/compressed-air harvesting is effectively barred via the hookah-gear prohibition and the broader gear regulations; spearfishing is practiced by free-diving/snorkeling 'at or below the surface of the water'. The British Virgin Islands (a separate jurisdiction) bans spearguns entirely — do not confuse with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ce que vous pouvez prélever
Limites de capture et espèces protégées
Quotas journaliers, tailles minimales et espèces qui ne doivent jamais être prélevées.
Limite journalière
No single territory-wide recreational finfish bag limit published in the handbook; species-specific limits and Federal EEZ annual catch limits (ACLs) apply. Example NPS limits inside Virgin Islands National Park: max 2 spiny lobster per person per day; max 2 conchs or 1 gallon of whelks per day.
Tailles minimales
- Caribbean Spiny Lobster (carapace length)min 8.89 cm
- Queen Conch (shell length)min 22.86 cm
- Whelk / West Indian Top Snail (shell diameter)min 6.19 cm
- Yellowtail Snapper (total length, EEZ)min 30.48 cm
- Other allowable Parrotfish (fork length, St. Croix EEZ)min 22.86 cm
- Redband Parrotfish (fork length, St. Croix EEZ)min 20.32 cm
Espèces protégées — ne pas prélever
- ProtégéeSea turtles (all species) - no harvest, possession or harassment
- ProtégéeGoliath Grouper - prohibited year-round
- ProtégéeNassau Grouper - prohibited year-round
- ProtégéeBlue Parrotfish (Federal EEZ)
- ProtégéeMidnight Parrotfish (Federal EEZ)
- ProtégéeRainbow Parrotfish (Federal EEZ)
- ProtégéeCorals, sea urchins, sea cucumbers (no take in EEZ)
- ProtégéeTarpon and Bonefish - catch and release with hook and line only; no harvest
Spiny lobster, conch and whelk may not be taken by spear in any case. Size limits converted from inches: lobster 3.5 in carapace, conch 9 in shell length, whelk 2 7/16 in diameter, yellowtail snapper 12 in total length, parrotfish 9 in / redband 8 in fork length. Catch must be landed with heads and fins intact in Territorial waters; filleting at sea in Federal Caribbean waters is prohibited.
Qui peut pêcher
Visiteurs et résidents
Comment les règles diffèrent pour les visiteurs étrangers et les résidents locaux.
Visiteurs étrangers
AutoriséeExigences
- Recreational fishing license (GoOutdoors USVI / DPNR) is required of all recreational fishers; enforcement begins mid-2026.
- Must comply with all Territorial and Federal (50 CFR 622) regulations, closures, marine reserve boundaries and protected-species rules.
Restrictions
- A USVI fishing license does not authorize fishing in British Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico waters or in foreign EEZs.
- Commercial fishing licenses are restricted to U.S. citizens who have been permanent USVI residents for at least one year — so commercial-scale spearfishing by non-residents is not available.
Recreational spearfishing by visitors is permitted in open Territorial waters subject to the same rules as residents. The USVI is an unincorporated U.S. territory; many divers reach it via U.S. domestic travel.
Résidents
Recreational fishing license (GoOutdoors USVI). Commercial fishing license available only to qualifying residents (limited-entry).
Exigences
- Recreational license required of all fishers (enforced from mid-2026).
- Commercial fishing license: U.S. citizen and permanent USVI resident for at least one year; no license to minors under 17 except with consent.
Avantages
- Eligibility for USVI commercial fishing licenses and fish-trap endorsements (residents only).
- Certain groups may qualify for recreational license fee exemptions.
Commercial licensing was reopened on a limited-entry basis October 1, 2021 after a moratorium; licenses renew annually each July and may be transferred to family members/helpers under §312(c).
Où sur la côte
Zones autorisées et interdites
Zones nommées ouvertes ou fermées à la chasse sous-marine. Voir l'image complète sur la carte interactive.
Zones autorisées
Territorial waters extend from shore to 3 nautical miles offshore. Recreational spearfishing is permitted here except inside the National Park Service units, designated marine reserves/sanctuaries, and the St. Croix East End Marine Park no-take and recreational zones. Spear/hooks may not be used for lobster, and SCUBA/hookah may not be used to harvest marine resources.
No spearing of lobster; no SCUBA/hookah harvesting; no take of protected species; species seasonal closures and size limits apply; recreational license required (enforced from mid-2026).
Within the St. Croix East End Marine Park, fishing (including spearfishing) is allowed in the Open Zone, subject to park-wide rules. Taking or injuring coral, altering the seabed, anchoring on hard bottom or coral communities, and diving without a flag are prohibited.
No taking/injuring coral; dive flag required; no spearfishing in the park's No-Take and Recreational Zones (only the Open Zone permits it).
Zones interdites
- Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)national park
Possession or use of spearfishing equipment within park boundaries is prohibited (36 CFR 7.74). Only rod and reel, handline, and conventional traps are permitted; commercial fishing prohibited.
- Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix)national monument / no-take
All fishing and fishing equipment is prohibited throughout the monument (36 CFR 7.73).
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (St. John)national monument
All fishing is prohibited (36 CFR 7.46), with narrow NPS-permitted exceptions for baitfishing in Hurricane Hole and blue runner fishing near Cabritte Horn Point. Spearfishing prohibited.
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (St. Croix)marine sanctuary / ecological preserve
Unlawful to collect/take/possess any fish, coral, bird or wildlife; use or possession of any spear gun, firearm, bow and arrow, trap or net is prohibited. V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, §96. Designated July 19, 1995.
- Compass Point Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (St. Thomas)marine reserve / wildlife sanctuary
No fishing, hunting, or taking of any plants or animals within the marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary. V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-1. Designated September 24, 1992.
- Cas Cay / Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (St. Thomas)marine reserve / wildlife sanctuary
All fishing and harvest of animals and plants is prohibited except permitted cast-net baitfishing; no take at all in the Inner Mangrove Lagoon. V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-2 and §96-5.
- St. James Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (St. Thomas)marine reserve / wildlife sanctuary
Only permitted cast-net baitfishing and (by permit) hook-and-line fishing; general fishing/spearfishing restricted. Permit required from Division of Environmental Enforcement.
- Frank Bay Wildlife and Marine Sanctuary / Small Pond (St. John)marine sanctuary
No hunting, fishing, or harvest of fisheries or wildlife resources. V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, §96-4. Designated March 24, 2000.
- St. Croix East End Marine Park - No-Take Zone and Recreational Zoneterritorial marine park no-take zone
Traditional fishing including spearfishing is prohibited in both the No-Take Zone and the Recreational Zone (V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 1, §98; §98-5(d)(2)). Snorkeling and diving with a flag allowed; coral removal prohibited.
- Hind Bank Marine Conservation District (Red Hind Bank, St. Thomas)marine conservation district
Federally designated marine conservation district south of St. Thomas with area/seasonal closures protecting red hind spawning aggregations; fishing restricted.
Conditions sur l'eau
Conditions en direct
Aperçu marin et météo en direct près d'un point de référence côtier en United States Virgin Islands, fourni par Open-Meteo. Les conditions varient le long de la côte — à considérer comme indicatives.
Conditions marines et météo en direct près de St. Croix East End Marine Park - Open Zone (Park Wide).
À qui s'adresser
Autorités
Les organismes officiels responsables de la pêche et des licences.
Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Fish and Wildlife
fisheries authority
dpnr.vi.govDPNR, U.S. Virgin Islands; Division of Fish & WildlifeDPNR Division of Environmental Enforcement
enforcement authority
dpnr.vi.gov(340) 774-3320 (St. Thomas); (340) 773-5774 (St. Croix)National Park Service - Virgin Islands National Park / Buck Island Reef NM
protected area authority
nps.gov(340) 776-6201 (VINP); (340) 773-1460 (Buck Island / Christiansted)NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office / Caribbean Fishery Management Council
federal fisheries authority
fisheries.noaa.gov(727) 824-5305 (Southeast Regional Office)
D'où cela provient
Sources
Chaque affirmation sur cette page renvoie à l'une de ces références.
- [01]
United States Virgin Islands Commercial Fisher's Information Handbook (2023), DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
Officielledpnr.vi.govConsulté le juin 15 - [02]
Current Fishing Regulations - U.S. Caribbean | NOAA Fisheries
Officiellefisheries.noaa.govConsulté le juin 15 - [03]
US Virgin Islands Code Title 12, §322 (Fishing with explosives, poisons, drugs, chemicals, spears, hooks, or similar devices) - Justia
Secondairelaw.justia.comConsulté le juin 15 - [04]
US Virgin Islands Code Title 12, §321 (Fishing gear, regulations) - Justia
Secondairelaw.justia.comConsulté le juin 15 - [05]
DPNR announces license requirements for recreational fishing - Virgin Islands Daily News
Secondairevirginislandsdailynews.comConsulté le juin 15 - [06]
Virgin Islands Fishing Regulations - VInow
Secondairevinow.comConsulté le juin 15
Notes du chercheur
Spearfishing is legal and traditional in the U.S. Virgin Islands but spatially and method-restricted. KEY POINTS: (1) Spear/hook may never be used for spiny lobster (Territorial §319 and Federal 50 CFR 622); lobster is taken by hand/snare/trap only. (2) SCUBA/hookah (compressed-air) harvesting is barred via the hookah-gear prohibition (§321(f)); recreational spearfishing is done free-diving/snorkeling 'at or below the surface'. (3) Spearfishing is banned in all National Park Service units (VINP, Buck Island, V.I. Coral Reef NM) and in the territorial marine reserves/sanctuaries and in the St. Croix East End Marine Park No-Take and Recreational zones. (4) Protected species (sea turtles, Goliath/Nassau grouper, blue/midnight/rainbow parrotfish, corals) may not be taken by any method. (5) A recreational license (GoOutdoors USVI) is required, enforced from mid-2026. (6) DO NOT confuse with the BRITISH Virgin Islands, a separate jurisdiction that bans spearguns entirely. Verbatim law text was sourced from the official 2023 DPNR Fisher Handbook (which quotes the V.I.C./V.I.R.R. section numbers and 36 CFR / 50 CFR provisions); the primary Justia statute pages (§321, §322) were Cloudflare-blocked and are cited as secondary corroboration. Confidence: high, based on the official DPNR handbook. Coordinates for prohibited zones are approximate centroids derived from the named locations and should be refined against official boundary buoy data before map publication.
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