Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have officially launched their annual seasonal protection period for Queen Conch, with a full ban on all harvesting and trade of the vulnerable marine species now active through the end of August.
The Fisheries Division, which oversees marine resource management across the island nation, announced that the closed season is scheduled to run from July 1 to August 31 each year, aligning with a critical biological window for Queen Conch reproduction and population growth. Throughout these two months, any activity involving the species—including catching, selling, buying, or even personal possession of Queen Conch—violates local fisheries laws and can result in penalties.
This long-standing annual restriction is designed to give Queen Conch populations uninterrupted time to breed and grow, preventing overexploitation that has threatened the species in many Caribbean coastal regions. Conservation officials emphasize that the temporary ban is a core strategy for maintaining the ecological health of Antigua and Barbuda’s marine ecosystems and ensuring the species remains available for future generations of fishermen and coastal communities.
The division has issued a public call for full compliance from all groups that interact with Queen Conch, including local residents, commercial fishing operators, seafood vendors, and hospitality businesses that serve seafood to both locals and tourists. To help enforce the ban, authorities have also released a dedicated contact line for members of the public to report any suspected illegal activity related to Queen Conch. Anyone who witnesses potential violations can confidentially submit tips to the Fisheries Division by calling 462-1372.