Fishing Tournament Licences Now Required
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is reminding organisers and participants that licences are required before advertising or taking part in fishing tournaments; organisers should apply at least 90 days before an event and individual participants at least 30 days. The Department has also clarified vessel registration, reporting obligations, inspection powers, fees and enforcement, and provided additional government and media contact details in a recent release.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is advising fishing tournament organisers and participants in the Virgin Islands that licences are required before advertising, organising or participating in any fishing tournament, the Department said in an official release. Theodore James, urged organisers to secure licences early, saying "Event organisers should obtain a licence before advertising the event as this protects the organiser legally, ensures compliance, and enhances the event's credibility." The Department asks that applications to hold an event be submitted at least ninety (90) days before the tournament, while individual participants must apply at least thirty (30) days prior.
Applications to organise a tournament must include photo identification, business verification documents and a copy of the tournament rules. Vessels taking part must hold a Certificate of Registration issued by the Department confirming they are registered for fishing activities. If a vessel has not previously received a certificate, the owner may apply at the same time as the tournament application by providing vessel photographs, details of fishing gear and proof of ownership ID.
Authorised officers have the power to inspect vessels and gear at any time, the release notes. Organisers are responsible for collecting and reporting all catches, no-catches and catch-and-releases for every participating vessel at the end of the tournament. Participating vessels must supply accurate catch data to the organiser, who will submit the consolidated report to the Department.
Licence fees apply and must be paid to obtain certificates. James warned that failure to comply with the regulatory requirements or reporting obligations will result in enforcement of penalties permitted under law. "We take pride in our marine resources, which must be managed to maintain what so many enjoy about The Virgin Islands," he said. "We aim to ensure that fishing events are conducted legally and applications are processed in a timely manner." The Department says these requirements aim to safeguard fish stocks, support sustainable recreational and competitive fishing, and protect the Territory's tourism and local livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
For tournament organisers, charter operators and local anglers, the Department recommends planning well ahead of event dates to allow time for registration, vessel certification and compliance checks. The recent government release also supplied expanded contact and media information.
For general fisheries enquiries and to submit applications contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 468-6123 or email fisheries@gov.vg. For media or further government information the release listed Angela U. Burns, Information Officer II, Premier's Office, Tel: +1 284 468 9445, Email: aburns@gov.vg, and noted international media enquiries can be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
General government services and appointment booking are available at 1(284) 468-3701 or WhatsApp 1(284) 468-9760; the Government website is https://gov.vg/ and the official Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/BVIGovernment/. Organisers should ensure applications are complete and fees paid in good time to avoid delays or enforcement action.
The Department, mandated to promote and regulate agriculture and fisheries for safe, nutritious and sustainable production, reiterated its commitment to managing marine resources for the benefit of Virgin Islanders and visitors alike, the government release concluded.
Primary source: BVI Government