Noticeboard

The Cayman Islands’ conch and whelk seasons open Thursday, 1 November. Every year, the open seasons serve as a way for residents to sustainably harvest the marine delicacies, leaving enough of both species for future generations to enjoy. The open season, which runs from 1 November to 30 April, allows for the taking of conch and whelk within legal limits. The legal daily limit for possessing conch during the open season is five per person or 10 per boat each day, whichever is less. Only queen conch (Strombus gigas, Lobatus gigas) may be taken and no person may take – or permit another person to take, purchase, receive, offer for sale or possess – more than five conchs from Cayman waters. The legal daily limit for possession of whelks during the open season is two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks per person, per day. No one may purchase or receive more than two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks from Cayman for each day. Chitons, periwinkles and bleeding teeth may not be taken. Echinoderms (starfish, sea eggs/urchins, sea cucumbers and sand dollars) may not be taken. Department of Environment [DoE] Manager John Bothwell urged residents not to support poachers and individuals taking, purchasing or possessing more than the legal limits. “Don’t buy conch or whelk from people, even during the open season, if they are taking over the legal limit,” he said. “Taking over the limit is illegal and those who are caught will be prosecuted.” Members of the public are also reminded that Cayman’s annual lobster season does not open until 1 December. Individuals may come across lobsters while conching or whelking, but it is still closed season for lobsters which may be reproducing. Anyone caught possessing locally-caught lobster out of season will also be prosecuted. If anyone sees, or becomes aware of, suspected poaching activity, or suspects someone is purchasing more than the legal daily limits of locally caught conch or whelks, they are asked to call 911. They may also contact DoE enforcement officers directly on Grand Cayman (916-4271), on Cayman Brac (call 911) or on Little Cayman (925-0185).

The 2025 sea turtle nesting season is well underway and the DoE teams have so far confirmed more than 20 loggerhead turtle nests across the 3 islands. Turtle nesting season runs from 1 May – 30 November. Help us protect these magnificent creatures by doing the following: • Keep lights off at beachside properties unless you have turtle-friendly lighting installed. Nesting and hatchling turtles are disoriented by artificial light and it can lead them into dangerous situations. • Keep beaches clean and clear by picking up litter and moving beach furniture at night so that turtles have plenty of space to find their nesting sites. • Never rake or cover turtle tracks. • No bonfires on the beach without a permit! Bonfires in the vicinity of nests can cause egg and hatchling mortality. • Consult with DoE before bringing vehicles or equipment onto the beach. Eggs under the sand may be crushed if driven over. • Never approach or disturb nesting or mating turtles. Human presence can cause them to abandon nesting/mating attempts. • Report turtle tracks or a turtle in distress to our 24hr Turtle Hotline (938-NEST/938-6378) using WhatsApp with a photograph and location description or pin drop. Turtles and nests are protected at all times under the National Conservation Act (2013) and it is an offence to disturb or harm them. Report any suspicious activity to 916-4271 or call 911.

Please be advised that the harvesting of lobsters is prohibited during the closed season from 1 March through 30 November each year under the National Conservation Law. This measure supports the sustainable management of our marine resources and ensures the long-term health of the species and our reefs. Members of the public are reminded that any person taking, purchasing, receiving, offering for sale or possessing lobster from Cayman waters during the closed season may face prosecution. For full regulations including open season dates, catch limits and size requirements, please refer to the Department of Environment’s official listings.