A fishing license is required for all recreational fishing other than shore angling and angling in the Grand Cul-de-sac lagoon. For all types of fishing, knowledge of the regulations is mandatory.
First and foremost, there are zones where fishing is prohibited or restricted.
Fishing is strictly prohibited:
Fishing is regulated:
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Professional sea fishing is regulated by Territorial Council deliberation N°2015-035 CT of July 27, 2015.
Professional sea fishing is carried out by fishermen enrolled on fishing vessels registered with the Affaires Maritimes, in accordance with current regulations.
Only professional fishermen are authorized to engage in the following fisheries:
For more information, contact us at contact@agencedelenvironnement.fr
Recreational sea fishing is regulated by Territorial Council deliberation N°2015-035 CT of July 27, 2015. Holding a fishing permit issued free of charge by the Agence Territoriale de l'Environnement is mandatory for all fishing except angling from the coast. Fishing licence is mandatory regarding angling within the Grand Cul-de-sac lagoon.
Fishing is for recreational purposes only: the catch is for the exclusive consumption of the fisherman and his family. Fishing products may not be bought or sold.
Catches, whatever the fishing method, must respect regulated zones, minimum sizes, fishing periods and authorized quotas.
Pelagic fish, colas and lobsters must be marked. Some species are totally prohibited.
Fishing for lambi (Lobatus gigas) is strictly forbidden to yachtsmen.
Ciguatera is a toxin found in micro-algae that thrive in the reef environment. The development of these micro-algae is encouraged by environmental degradation caused by natural phenomena (cyclones) or human disturbance (coastal development, wastewater). Ingested by herbivorous fish, themselves predated by carnivorous fish, the toxin accumulates in the latter's bodies, reaching a stage that is dangerous for humans.
In fact, ingestion of this toxin by humans can be problematic, even serious, depending on the toxin content of the fish consumed and the physical condition of the consumer. Ciguatera cannot be detected in fish, except by laboratory analysis.
Symptoms of ciguatera generally appear within 24 hours of ingestion, and mainly include: digestive signs: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Neurological signs include itching, tingling, numbness, impaired perception of hot and cold, fatigue, etc. There is no cure. It is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice in the event of suspected poisoning, to alleviate symptoms with medication (especially for at-risk individuals, children or the elderly).
The following species are protected by Saint-Barthélemy's Environment Code, and may not be caught at any time or in any place on the entire territory of Saint-Barthélemy.
