USVI Territorial waters (general)

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).