Fishers Face Deadlines to Install VMS Devices or Lose These Licenses

Fishers who hold special licences for stone crab and shark must have a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) device fully installed and working on their boats by October 22 and October 24, 2026, the Fisheries Department says. Stone crab fishers who miss the deadline face immediate revocation of their licence. Sharkfishers who miss theirs will not have the licence renewed.

The department said the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) season is open from October 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The shark (spps) season opens November 1, 2026, and runs to April 30, 2027. Both seasons fall under the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2022.

The stone crab deadline is October 22. Department technicians will install the devices for all special licence holders in Caye Caulker Village on October 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on October 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The shark deadline is October 24. Technicians will install devices in Dangriga Town on October 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and in Riversdale Village on October 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fishers holding a special license must be present with their vessels at the designated time and location.

The same conditions apply to both licences. Fishers must fish strictly within the areas specified in the licence. Boat captains must make sure every fisher on board is licensed for the areas assigned to the vessel. Catch data must be recorded in an official catch logbook and submitted to a fisheries officer after every trip. All general fisheries regulations must be observed at all times.

The department warns that breaking any condition will bring charges specific to the offence. It may also lead to suspension or cancellation of the fisherfolk licence under the Fisheries Resources Act.