DPNR: No Snapper Harvesting Between April 1 And June 30

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Commissioner-designee Dawn L. Henry, Esq. has announced that the harvesting and possession of mutton snapper (lutjanus analis, also known as virgin snapper), is prohibited in the U.S. Virgin Islands between April 1 and June 30.

In addition, DPNR reminds the public of the annual seasonal closure of the St. Croix Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area, as mandated by federal law 50 CFR 629.21&24.

The aforementioned area is as follows:

A – 17° 37.8’N, 64° 53.0’W
B – 17° 39.0’N, 64° 53.0’W
C – 17° 39.0’N, 64° 50.5’W
D – 17° 38.1’N, 64° 50.5’W
E – 17° 37.8’N, 64° 52.5’W

According to the federal law, harvesting of any species is not permitted within the boundary of the Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Area from March 1 to June 30 each year. Furthermore, fishing with pots, traps, bottom long-lines and nets is prohibited throughout the year in the area.

Henry asks that the community cooperate with the law to protect the territory’s resources.

For more information about mutton snapper or other fisheries regulations, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (340) 773-1082 on St. Croix and (340) 775-6762 on St. Thomas.