KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has officially announced the commencement of application procedures for conch fishing licenses and individual catch quota allocations ahead of the 2026 fishing season. The upcoming conch harvesting period is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, marking an important timeline for the nation’s marine resource management.
The regulatory body has established a firm submission deadline of 4:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, for all license applicants. This cutoff applies equally to both Industrial fishers (focused on export markets) and Artisanal fishers (serving local trade channels). The NFA emphasized that applications received after this precise deadline will be automatically disqualified from consideration.
Prospective fishers must obtain application packages, available at the NFA Head Office information desk for a fee of JMD $500 per package. These documents contain comprehensive information and necessary forms for the licensing process. All completed applications require supporting documentation and must be physically delivered to the Authority’s headquarters at 2C Newport East, Kingston 11.
The NFA has designated specific contact channels for additional inquiries. Interested parties may contact the Principal Director of Capture Fisheries directly or utilize telephone numbers 876-579-5910, 876-967-2081, or 876-948-9014. Alternatively, queries can be directed via email to fisheries@nfa.gov.jm for further clarification on application requirements and procedures.