PRESS RELEASE – THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources & Co-operatives informs the general public that the Sea Urchin (Sea Egg/”Chadon”) Fishery will open from Thursday November 29, 2018 until Sunday December 2, 2018, both days inclusive.
During the open period, sea urchin fisheries are urged to adhere to the harvest conditions that require a minimum size limit of 9cm (in diameter) to ensure the sea urchin population is sustainably managed. All harvesting activities must cease at midnight on Sunday December 2, 2018 and will remain closed from Monday December 3, 2018 until further advised.
No person shall be allowed to have in their possession or expose for sale any sea urchin (sea eggs) after the closure of the harvesting period. Fisheries and the general public are hereby urged to observe and comply with the aforementioned conditions.
The Department of Fisheries will be conducting monitoring activities island-wide to obtain information on sea urchins harvesting during the period and will be working along the Praedial Larceny Unit and other enforcement agencies to ensure that all persons abide by the harvest conditions stipulated above. The public is also encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities.
Contravention of each offence shall result in a maximum fine of up to five thousand dollars (EC$5000.00 as stipulated under the Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15 of the Revised laws of Saint Lucia. (Ministry of Agriculture)