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Annual closed season for sea turtles in effect

-restrictions apply to all persons, vessels, vehicles, and premises
Virgin Islanders are urged to refrain from hunting or rearing sea turtles during the annual closed season, which began this April. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Theodore E. James emphasised the importance of compliance with the measures for the closed season for sea turtles. Photo: GIS/File
Director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Theodore E. James emphasised the importance of compliance with the measures for the closed season for sea turtles. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Virgin Islanders are urged to refrain from hunting or rearing sea turtles during the annual closed season, which began this April.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, that the closed season for sea turtles is now officially in effect. This season will run from April 1 to 2 and again from April 7 to November 30, 2026.

This initiative aims to protect the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), while a full moratorium remains in effect for the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta).

Several activities strictly prohibited during the closed season

According to a press release from the department, several activities are strictly prohibited during the closed season. These include fishing for or capturing any turtle, removing any turtle from fishery waters, possessing any turtle or parts of a turtle at any time, and exposing for sale, selling, or purchasing any turtle.

“These restrictions apply to all persons, vessels, vehicles, and premises”, the release further stated.

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Theodore E. James, emphasised the importance of compliance.

“These measures are critical to protecting our vulnerable turtle populations and ensuring their recovery for future generations. We urge everyone to respect the closed season and play their part in conserving our marine resources.”

12 Responses to “Annual closed season for sea turtles in effect”

  • Anonymous (08/04/2026, 11:46) Like (1) Dislike (26) Reply
    Times are hard no closed season please
  • tola (08/04/2026, 11:50) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    but cant shoot a fish lol
  • Just wondering (08/04/2026, 13:50) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Possess means to own, control or have as property. So does that apply to those on the privately own Islands that has them. Or this law is just for the small man them?
  • local boy (08/04/2026, 14:24) Like (0) Dislike (10) Reply
    I already have my Turtle meat in my fridge which i cook some for Easter and I hawe the rest. Who going stop me from cooking it and sharing with friends?
  • Styles. (08/04/2026, 14:41) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    The fact that we don’t have a blanket ban on hunting turtles shows how backwards we are.
  • can i (08/04/2026, 15:30) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    can I have it in my freezer during this time?
  • tbh (08/04/2026, 15:36) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    There should be no turtle season at all! In my opinion
  • Virgin Islander (08/04/2026, 17:44) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s 2026 and we still have a turtle hunting season? Many of these species are already endangered. There should be a complete ban on eating turtles. It’s time to move forward and protect them.
  • The Stickett News (08/04/2026, 19:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem east end fisherman still catch them in closed season.
  • one eye rooster (08/04/2026, 20:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope those popular fisher men read this and understand stand otherwise you guys arr gonna get locck up again Rembert andrew is not there to cover your ass
  • Fran (09/04/2026, 12:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    With so many other things we can eat, why eat turtles that are endangered here? We humans, have no respect for GOD's given beauties on earth. We just kill, kill, kill everything that we can, knowing nature cannot fight back against our weapons. SAD!


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