BVI Warns Against Illegal Whale Meat Imports
The Ministry of Environment has warned the public that importing whale meat, commonly known as blackfish, is strictly illegal in the Virgin Islands. Violators face fines of up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison under local conservation laws. The advisory comes after authorities received reports of the meat being circulated for sale within the Territory.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is reminding residents that the importation and sale of whale meat, often referred to as blackfish, is strictly prohibited in the British Virgin Islands. International trade in whale meat and other whale-derived products is regulated globally by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In the Territory, this convention is enforced through the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act, 2020. Under this legislation, anyone convicted of illegally importing blackfish or any other protected species faces severe legal consequences, including fines of up to $100,000, a prison sentence of up to one year, or both.
According to Environment Officer Argel Horton, officials have received reports that blackfish meat has been circulating for sale in the community. She acknowledged that while the Virgin Islands is home to diverse Caribbean cultures, some of which traditionally harvest marine mammals as part of their heritage, such activities remain strictly illegal under Virgin Islands law.
Horton emphasised the critical role that marine mammals play in the health and balance of ocean ecosystems. She noted that these animals receive comprehensive legal protection under Regulation 29 of the Virgin Islands Fisheries Regulations, 2003, which explicitly makes it an offence to take, kill, damage, or fish for any marine mammal within the Territory's fishery waters.
Officials reiterated that the commercial importation of marine mammals directly undermines the Territory's conservation commitments and international obligations under CITES. The government remains committed to enforcing strict environmental protections to safeguard local marine life and broader biodiversity.
Members of the public who have information regarding the suspected illegal importation, distribution, or sale of wildlife products are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change directly at 468-2147.
Primary source: BVI Government