Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF)

Updated Fishing Regulations

Many of the questions we get asked frequently are in regards to the fishing regulations. The rules seem to change each season and many times the locals are as in the dark as our visitors.

In order to make sure we were able to provide the most current and up to date information for our guests, we paid a visit to BREEF. For those unfamiliar with BREEF, it stands for Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation. Their mission is to promote the conservation of the Bahamian marine environment.

It is an important job. The Bahamas are 95% sea and 5% land. They do a good job considering they have, pardon the pun, a lot of “ground” to cover. Many may not realize they are not funded by the government but they are tasked with promoting and educating the public on what they can and can’t do in regards to fishing and interacting with the country’s marine resources.

The folks at BREEF are quite nice and very helpful. They were also kind enough to share some printed references, including the following poster of information for us to post for our guests; to be sure they are up to date on the latest rules and regulations.  We wanted to share it here too. It is important that everyone follow the rules, and remember the maximum limits are exactly that. But if you don’t NEED to take the maximum, please don’t TAKE the maximum. Take only what you need to and leave the rest to replenish the already taxed environment. Especially with our Grouper and Conch populations.

The only fish I feel I can write with confidence that there is no one whom will be upset if you take all you can out of the sea is the Lion Fish. As I have written previously, they are quite tasty and are worth the effort to prepare. They are also taxing the native species, so the more of them that are removed, the better for everyone!

Please take a few moments to study the information being posted along with this. Make note of size requirements, quantity limits and when the seasons open and close. Consider the type of fishing you will be doing so you know when and what type of permits are required.  If you have any questions, please refer to -- Bahamas Laws online: Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act or contact BREEF at www.breef.org directly.

As I wrote earlier, the rules can and do change from season to season, so it is important to keep yourself as up to date as possible. In doing so, everyone benefits; especially future generations of fishermen and women and the elusive creatures they will fish for.