Official Government of the Virgin Islands Website

Fisher Resources

FISHERIES PROGRAMS

VI Recreational Fishery Project

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has an extensive data collection program on the commercial fisheries of the USVI. However, the recreational fishery is just as important to the local economy, culture, and recreation.  In order to preserve and maintain our fishery resources, DFW has begun collecting data on our important recreational fisheries.

In 2017, a recreational fishing report form was developed and disseminated to the recreational fishing communities to begin collecting information on fishing activity and landings. In addition to our continued data collection at over 10 annual sportfishing tournaments in the Territory, this has enhanced what is known about the local recreational fishery.

Information on fishing activity and landings is essential to successful management of our recreational fisheries. Whether you:

  • are a shoreline-based fisher, a private vessel owner, or a vessel for hire;
  • fish daily or only occasionally;
  • are a local USVI resident or visitor.

We need your help! We have created an online form to make it easy for recreational anglers to report their catch. We ask that all fishers submit this voluntary report each time you go fishing as part of the recreational fishing licensing program. The survey collects information about your fishing trip, your vessel, and your catch. Your data will remain confidential and will contribute to better management of our fisheries, supporting their sustainability for generations to come.

The current VI Recreational Fishery Project allows DFW to expand our data collection and analysis efforts even further, involving online reporting and paper logbooks that are available to frequent fishers and fishing charter operations. The report form can be accessed at the web link here or by using the Quick Response (QR) Code below.

QR Code Instructions:

  1. Using your smartphone, open the camera or a QR code reader application and point it at the QR code.
  2. Click the link that appears to open the U.S. Virgin Islands Recreational Fishing Report Form.
  3. Enter your fishing trip information.
  4. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the form to send your data to the Division of Fish and Wildlife!

This program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

Outreach Materials & Resources

DFW offers a variety of educational resources for fishers and resource users in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including brochures, posters, and handheld tools.

Stop in to one of the Division of Fish and Wildlife offices in Red Hook, St. Thomas, or Frederiksted, St. Croix, to pick up copies of the brochures or other available resource materials!

LINKS