Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the seasonal closure for harvesting Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) will end at midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025. Beginning November 1, 2025, harvesting will be permitted through Monday, June 1, 2026, in accordance with federal and territorial regulations (50 CFR 622.491; V.I.C. Title 12, Chapter 9A §316; VI.R.R. Title 12, Chapter 9A §316-1).These seasonal restrictions protect Queen Conch populations during critical reproductive periods, ensuring sustainable fisheries and preserving Virgin Islands marine resources for future generations.
Harvesting Requirements
- A valid recreational or commercial fishing license is required.
- Harvest is allowed in St. Croix federal waters and all territorial waters.
- Each conch must:
- Have a shell length of at least 9 inches (from spire tip to distal end), or
- A lip thickness of 3/8 inch,
- Be landed intact and whole in its shell.
Bag and Vessel Limits
- Recreational:
- Territorial waters: 6 conch per person/day, max 24 per vessel/day.
- Federal waters: 3 conch per person/day, max 12 per vessel/day.
- Commercial:
- Up to 200 conch per day in territorial and St. Croix federal waters.
Prohibited Areas
Harvesting is strictly prohibited within:
- St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER)
- St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP)
Licenses & More Information
Recreational licenses can be purchased at https://www.gooutdoorsusvi.com/.
“We ask for everyone’s cooperation to protect Virgin Islands resources for the present and future benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands,” urged Commissioner Oriol.
For questions, contact:
- Division of Fish & Wildlife: DFWelectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.com | 340-773-1082 (STX) | 340-775-6762 (STT)
- Division of Environmental Enforcement: 340-773-5774 (St. Croix) | 340-774-3320 (St. Thomas)
