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FISHING RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-CAYMANIANS APPROVED BY CIG

Front Pages 17 Jul, 2025 1 Comments Follow News

FISHING RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-CAYMANIANS APPROVED BY CIG

CABINET APPROVES DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MARINE PROTECTION MEASURES INCLUDING FISHING RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-CAYMANIANS

 

The Cayman Islands Government has approved developing new legislation that would prohibit non-Caymanians from harvesting any marine life from Cayman's waters, with limited exceptions for regulated catch-and-release fishing. This proposal forms part of a broader effort to protect marine biodiversity and preserve fishing resources for Caymanians.

The proposed framework introduces comprehensive restrictions for non-Caymanians while protecting access for Caymanians. Under consideration are measures that would prohibit non-Caymanians from taking any marine species including fish, conch, lobster and other marine life from Cayman waters. (Limited exceptions may be established through a licensing system which would allow near-shore catch-and-release fishing of designated game fish and offshore catch-and-release of certain billfish species). The proposal also includes new protections for vulnerable species that would apply to all anglers regardless of nationality.

Commenting on the new measures, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, the Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, emphasised the importance of balancing tradition with conservation:

“Our marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from overfishing and climate change. By introducing additional restrictions, we are taking a proactive step to manage our marine ecosystem responsibly. These measures will help maintain the health of our reefs and marine life, safeguarding both our natural resources for this and future generations.”

Minister Ebanks-Wilks explained this is a proposal at the earliest stages of development.

“Initiating legislative drafting is an important step. While the legislative drafting work is underway, Government will consult with the various stakeholders to develop the implementation and operational plans for the new regulation, including enforcement and managing visitor access through controlled catch-and-release opportunities. This represents the beginning of a legislative process. No changes have been implemented at this time."

Chief Officer of the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Sustainability, Mrs. Tamara Ebanks, emphasised the dual priorities:

"Our team will now begin the important work of developing and implementing these protections in a way that both safeguards our marine environment and respects Caymanian fishing traditions. We'll be working closely with the community to ensure these measures achieve the right balance for our future."

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability will begin a consultation period and period. and final regulations may differ from initial proposals. Once internal consultations have been completed, Implementation would only occur after the necessary work is completed, and following a public consultation period and legislative approval.


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Dennis Connor

15 Jul, 2025

I am totally in agreement with this which is overdue a long time ago, hopefully where will be enforcement in every district, I would also like to see some private people working as a enforcement officer.