Kingston, Jamaica)—The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) announces the commencement of the annual Conch Close Season which begins on August 30, 2025, and ends on February 28, 2026.

In accordance with The Fisheries (Conservation of Queen Conch) (Family Strombidae) Regulations, 2023 under The Fisheries Act, 2018, it is illegal to possess, offer for sale, sell, process or import any conch products or by-products during the Close Season.

Individuals in possession of conch legally obtained prior to August 30, 2025, must file a declaration in writing to the NFA within the first twenty-one (21) days of the commencement of the Close Season; that is, by September 20, 2025. Declarations must be submitted to the NFA in writing at any of our office locations or via email to compliance@nfa.gov.jm and must include:

• the declarant’s name and address
• the quantity of conch products or by-products in the individual’s possession
• owner of the conch products or by-products
• level of processing of the conch products and by-products
• location of storage of the conch products or by-products

Conch legally caught prior to the beginning of the Close Season and declared with the NFA within the first 21 days of the Close Season, may be sold or processed up to the end of those 21 days (September 20). After this date, all prohibitions are fully enforced.

Any person found in contravention of these regulations commits an offence.

The Conch Close Season is a key component of the NFA’s broader efforts to protect Jamaica’s marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of the fisheries sector for the benefit of all Jamaicans.