Fish in the USVI region

The Virgin Islands' waters hold a beautiful fortune in the great abundance of marine life. To give a small example there are over 500 fish types, from reef fish to inshore ranging fish that can be found all around the Virgin Islands.

There are many types of species, everything from large sharks to small fishes roam the waters, the most recognizable and easier to find examples are the barracuda, snapper, hamlets, French grunts, parrotfish, filefish, surgeon fish, squirrel fish, soldier fish, fairy basslet, hawk fish, hog fish, spotted drum, spotted butterfly fish, blue chromis, damselfish, Creole wrasse, goby, porcupine fish among many many others.

Recreational fishing is one of the locations most popular activities by turists. However there are regulations that you must follow. Wildlife preservation and tourism are big priorities here at the USVI. Some of the regulations you have to take into consideration are:

-It is illegal to take, kill, molest, harass or remove turtles or turtle eggs. All species are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act.

-It is illegal to remove, injure, break or destroy any living coral.

-It is illegal to spear fish for lobsters in all Territorial waters.

-It is illegal to to possess or harvest Goliath Grouper, also called Jewfish.

-It is illegal to possess or harvest Nassau Grouper.

-It is illegal to possess or harvest Foureye, Banded, Longsnout Butterflyfishes in Federal waters.

-It is illegal to possess or harvest seahorses in Federal waters.

-In National Park waters; fishing is allowed outside of swim areas, but not in Trunk Bay and Jumbie Bay on St. John. It is illegal to use or possess spear fishing equipment anywhere within National Park boundaries. Fishing is prohibited at the following locations/times: A. Between 8am and 5pm at NPS Red Hook Dock and NPS Cruz Bay Finger Pier and bulkhead. B. Within all designated boat exclusion areas.

For fishing and other permits and regulations see 'Commercial Fishing Permit Info'