Vessel safety inspections for commercial fishing vessels have been suspended and the relicensing period for commercial fishing vessels has been extended, and the new deadline will be April 30th 2020.
A Government spokesperson said, “As a safety measure to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is closed to walk-in customers for all fisheries licensing, including spear fishing.
“Vessel safety inspections for commercial fishing vessels have been suspended for the time being and the Marine Resources Section will notify fishermen when they will resume.
“The relicensing period for commercial fishing vessels has been extended, and the new deadline for relicensing will be April 30th 2020.
“The spiny lobster and guinea chick trap fisheries will conclude at the end of their normal season today, March 31st.
“All traps must be out of the water on this date. Marine Resources staff will contact participants in these fisheries directly to discuss the inspection and storage of traps.
“Marine Resources staff may be contacted by phone on 293-5600 or email fisheries@gov.bm.”
