Conch & whelk season opens

(CNS): Open season for conch and whelks begins on Sunday, 1 November, and runs through 30 April 2010, but the Department of Environment (DoE) is reminding the public that there are laws limiting what people can take with hefty fines and a year in jail if those laws are broken. During the open season the catch limit for conch is 5 per person or 10 per boat, whichever is less. No one may purchase or received more than 5 conch taken from Cayman waters in any one day. During the open season the catch limit for whelks is two-and-a-half (2.5) gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half (2.5) pounds processed whelks per day.

No one may take conch or whelk from any of the marine protected areas at any time. Violation of this and any of the Marine Conservation Laws is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of CI$500,000 fine and one year in jail. Upon conviction, forfeiture of the vessel or other equipment may also be ordered.

To report violations of any marine conservation legislation, call the DoE at 916 4271 (Grand Cayman), 926 0136 (Cayman Brac), or 926 2342 (Little Cayman) or call 911.

For the location of marine protected areas, rules and regulations please visit the DoE website or reference the Island Pages in the Cayman Islands Yellow Pages.