Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) reminds the public of the annual seasonal closure of the St. Croix Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area. No harvest of any species is permitted within the boundary of the Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area from March 1 to June 30 each year. Fishing with pots, traps, bottom long-lines, and nets is prohibited year-round in this area.
In addition, Commissioner Oriol reminds the public that the harvest or possession of the lane and mutton snapper within the Territory is prohibited from April 1 to June 30.
The Commissioner asks for everyone’s cooperation to protect Virgin Islands’ resources for the present and future benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands.
For more information about mutton snapper or other fisheries regulations, please contact the Division of Environmental Enforcement in St. Croix 340-773-5774 and 774-3320 in St. Thomas.