Fisheries Licensing 25-26 Fisheries Statistics Fisheries Import Licence and Full-time Fisherman Criteria Notices
FISHERIES LICENSING
The 2025/26 fisheries licensing period began on 2nd January and will run until 31st March 2025.
Current fishing vessel licence holders must relicense during this period to retain their licence.
Licence application forms are available at the Licensing Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources located in the Botanical Gardens, Paget. The Licensing Office is open from 8:45am to 4:45pm daily, Monday to Friday.
All fishing vessels will require an inspection for compliance with vessel safety gear and equipment. Vessels must be inspected and approved prior to the payment of the licensing fees, which are: $440.00 per vessel and $30.00 per fisherman registered to the vessel.
The deadline for the receipt of licence applications is at 4:45pm on Monday, 31st March 2025 at the Licensing Office.
Owners of fishing vessels, which have not been inspected by 31st March 2025, must make application for a vessel inspection/licensing deferment by this date.
FISHERIES STATISTICS
The owner or operator of every licensed fishing vessel is reminded of the obligation to keep a daily log of catch and effort statistics relating to the operation of that licensed fishing vessel, and to make returns of the catch and effort statistics to the Director of Environment and Natural Resources on the fisheries statistics Form 3 or online at www.shellcatch.com.
The deadline for the receipt of catch and effort statistics for all fishing vessels for the year 2024 is at 4:45pm on Friday, 31st January 2025 at the Licensing Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources located in the Botanical Gardens, Paget or online at www.shellcatch.com.
FISHERIES IMPORT LICENCES
Annual licences to import live fish (including shellfish) and conch meat under Section 6 of the Fisheries Act 1972 expired on 31st December 2024. Applications to relicense or obtain a first-time Import Licence for the year 2025 can be made at the Licensing Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources located in the Botanical Gardens, Paget. The Licensing Office is open daily from 8:45am to 4:45pm, Monday to Friday. The application fee is $95.00.
CRITERIA FOR FULL-TIME COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN STATUS
Per Regulation 13 of the Fisheries Regulations 2010, the Chairperson of the Commercial Fisheries Council (CFC) will consider applications from registered fishermen for the grant of full-time fisherman status. Only those fishermen who have been granted full-time status may benefit from certain concessions (i.e. relief from customs import duty on vessels (and parts), fishing equipment and fuel; the right to apply to engage in specialized fisheries; and support from the Council for truck permit applications to the Transport Control Department).
When making a determination on an application for full-time status designation, the CFC will take into consideration the following:
i) Whether the applicant’s primary job is that of a commercial fisherman and payroll tax and social insurance are paid accordingly;
ii) Whether the applicant is available to fish most days of the week;
iii) Whether the applicant spends 800 hours/100 days at sea per year as evidenced in his statistical returns (subject to a dispensation given by the CFC to the applicant from this requirement based on conditions which may affect his ability to fish). Persons 65 years of age may be exempted from this requirement.
iv) Whether the applicant has been engaged in the industry for either a minimum of one year as a fishing vessel licence holder or for a minimum of two years, immediately preceding an application for a fishing vessel licence, as a crew member of a licensed fishing vessel (proof of engagement by licence holder required);
v) Whether the applicant demonstrates a genuine commitment to the commercial fishing industry in Bermuda; and
vi) Whether the applicant practices good stewardship of the marine resources.
The CFC, however, reserves the right to exercise its discretion in appropriate situations and take into account any additional circumstances of the applicant based on the merits of the application. Fishing companies wishing to benefit from concessions must have a full-time fisherman representing the company.