Fishing

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: 

• In the red zone of the Nature Reserve (Petite anse, Baie de Marigot as far as Baie de Petit Cul de Sac, extending as far as Les Grenadins). 
• In the harbor zone, extending from Shell Beach Bay to Colombier.
• In the Petits Saints Marine Education Area
• In Pointe-Milou, to the right of the Christopher Hotel.

Fishing is regulated: 

• In the yellow zone of the Nature Reserve (Colombier, Fourchue, Frégate and Toc Vers, and from Pain de Sucre to Gros îlets). See details on the attached map.
• Within the Grand Cul-de-sac lagoon.  See attached map for details of regulations.

Professional sea fishing is regulated by Territorial Council deliberation N°2015-035 CT of July 27, 2015. Professional marine 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 types of fishing:

• Lambi fishing
• Trap fishing
• Seine fishing 
• FAD fishing (Fish Aggregating Device) / Trolling lines 

For further information, please 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 Territorial Environment Agency is mandatory for all fishing except angling from the coast and angling within the Grand Cul-de-sac lagoon.

Fishing may only be carried out for recreational purposes: the catch is for the exclusive consumption of the angler 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. (See PDF recreational fishing regulations). 

Pelagic fish, colas and lobsters must be marked. Some species are totally prohibited.

Fishing for Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) is strictly forbidden to recreational fishermen.

The use of lights to attract fish is strictly forbidden.
 

Ciguatera 

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. To prevent any risk of contamination, here is the list of ciguatera-toxic fish from the Agence Régionale de Santé de la Guadeloupe, Saint Martin et Saint Barthélemy. 
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).

Protected species 

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. 
(Protected species PDF fishing).