Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, 27th March 2026 — Cabinet recently approved a significant policy measure to amend the Fisheries Protection Ordinance to prohibit the use of nets for catching bonefish throughout the Islands. Once formalized through the legislative process and brought into effect, this measure will make the netting of bonefish illegal across the Territory.
This progressive step reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding one of the country’s most valuable marine resources while advancing sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. Importantly, this policy does not prohibit the consumption of bonefish. Individuals may continue to catch bonefish by line for personal use; however, the prohibition on netting is intended to prevent overharvesting and protect bonefish populations, ensuring their long-term viability.
This decision is informed by growing evidence that the use of nets results in the indiscriminate capture of both juvenile and adult bonefish, including individuals in reproductive condition, which can negatively impact population sustainability over time. By addressing these pressures proactively, the Government is taking a precautionary and science-informed approach to fisheries management.
Bonefish are internationally renowned as a premier sport fishing species, attracting anglers from around the world. By eliminating netting practices, the Turks and Caicos Islands is positioning itself to fully capitalize on the high-value catch-and-release sport fishing sector, which offers significantly greater economic returns than traditional harvesting methods. This decision reflects the Government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and the advancement of a resilient blue economy.
In further support of this initiative, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (DFMRM) is preparing to launch a Bonefish Tagging Programme as part of its broader research and monitoring strategy. This effort will generate critical scientific information on bonefish movement, habitat connectivity, and population dynamics, strengthening data-driven management and conservation decisions.
The tagging initiative will also provide opportunities for fishers, guides, and wider community to actively participate in conservation efforts, fostering a culture of shared stewardship and shared responsibility for marine resources.
At the core of this effort is the Government’s commitment to ensuring that fishers are supported in transitioning toward sustainable and profitable livelihood opportunities. The prohibition of netting creates a clear pathway for the development of a thriving sport fishing sector, where fishers can diversify their income by offering guided fishing experiences and related services.
To support this transition, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (DFMRM) has recently recruited a Fisheries Extension Officer, now stationed in South Caicos, who will work closely with fishers to provide technical guidance, mentorship, and on-the-ground support. This role forms part of a broader DFMRM strategy to strengthen fisheries extension services and improve communication between Government and fishing communities across all islands.
A series of targeted capacity-building initiatives will also be rolled out to equip fishers with the necessary skills and tools to succeed. These initiatives will include training in sport fishing techniques, certification and safety standards for guiding operations, business development support, and education on catch-and-release principles and conservation best practices. Collectively, these efforts will be delivered as part of a structured programme led by DFMRM in collaboration with national and international partners.
This initiative is part of a coordinated Government approach involving fisheries management, environmental stewardship, and tourism development, ensuring that conservation and economic growth are aligned within a unified national framework.
Compliance and enforcement measures will be strengthened to support the effective implementation of this policy.
This policy marks a defining moment in the evolution of fisheries management in the Turks and Caicos Islands. By aligning conservation with economic opportunity, the Government is establishing a forward-looking model for sustainable fisheries management and governance. This modern model aims to safeguards marine ecosystems while enhancing livelihoods, strengthening tourism, and supporting long-term national resilience.
