SVG to Implement First-Ever Closed Season for Conch

13.06.25

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) is proud to share a landmark step forward in marine conservation, St.vincent and the Grenadines will implement its first-ever closed season for queen conch harvesting, beginning in 2026.

The announcement was made during this year’s Fisherfolk Day celebrations in Calliaqua, where the Hon. Saboto Caesar Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour confirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the queen conch population as part of broader efforts to ensure the sustainability of marine life and local fisheries.

This pioneering move reflects years of collaboration among SVGEF, the Blue Marine Foundation, the Ministry of Fisheries, and local partners including fisherfolk from throughout the islands in St.Vincent, Bequia and Union Island.

The establishment of the closed season follows the passing of the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations 2023, a progressive policy that was informed by scientific research and extensive community engagement. Dive surveys conducted in 2022 to 2024, led by SVGEF, Blue Marine Foundation, and Bequia conch divers, focused on conch populations in the Southern Grenadines. These dives revealed numerous juvenile conch which is an encouraging sign for recovery, but also a clear indicator that protective measures are urgently needed.

Fisherfolk from Bequia participating in conch dive surveys.

Public consultations played a central role in shaping the new policy. Fisherfolk in Paget Farm and Barrouallie engaged in meaningful discussions with SVGEF and government representatives. These meetings resulted in the designation of a fishing rest area in Paget Farm and ongoing dialogue in Barrouallie about establishing similar protected zones.

Fishers provided valuable insights into their day-to-day operations, and their feedback was critical in developing management measures that are both practical and effective.

“SVGEF and Blue Marine’s sustainable fisheries work is a collaborative project involving fishers and the Government Fisheries Department,” said Dr. Judith Brown, SVG Programme Lead for Blue Marine Foundation. “We are gathering data and community voices to provide the evidence to create management measures that work for both people and nature.”

By protecting the queen conch, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is safeguarding both its marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.