The Cayman Islands government has launched a public survey on fishing practices and proposed policy changes to limit fishing by non-Caymanians, with certain exceptions.
A press release issued 13 Nov. stated that the survey is being conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, together with the Department of Environment, “to better understand how people fish in the Cayman Islands and how they view any potential changes to regulations”.
The responses to the survey will help inform the drafting of relevant legislation and identify any potential issues that could affect implementation or enforcement, the press release stated.
Minister for Environment and Sustainability Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said the survey reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and community-based policymaking.
“Fishing is part of Cayman’s culture, economy, and way of life,” she said in the release. “While the ministry works behind the scenes to determine the most effective legislative framework to [effect] these changes and develop the proposed permitting system, we want to ensure that residents’ views are heard and that decisions are guided by accurate information and broad public input.”
The survey, which will be open until 9 Jan. 2026, is available at PublicConsultation.gov.ky, or in person at community survey booths that will be set up at various supermarkets across all three Islands on selected Fridays and Saturdays during the survey period, according to the following schedule:
• Friday, 14 Nov., 3–6pm: Foster’s Camana Bay
• Saturday, 29 Nov., 9am–12pm: Foster’s Airport
• Saturday, 29 Nov., 9am–12pm: Foster’s Republix
• Friday, 5 Dec., 12–3pm: A. L. Thompson’s (main entrance)
• Friday, 19 Dec., 12–3pm: Hurley’s
• Friday, 19 Dec., 3–6pm: Foster’s Countryside
• Friday, 9 Jan., 12–3pm: Kirk Market
• Village Square (Little Cayman): January 2026, date and time to be determined
• Kirkconnell’s Market (Cayman Brac): January 2026, date and time to be determined
All responses will be kept anonymous and will be used internally to inform legislative changes and implementation.
For more information on the survey, including dates and booth locations, visit the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability or Department of Environment social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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There should be a complete moratorium on all fishing, except catch and release, for 2 years to allow fish stocks to replenish.
This should include a complete ban on taking conch and lobster.
I can remember 40 years ago going out with Captain Marvin in the North Sound. We had a stop to look for conch. There were so many we could pick up enough to be choosy about their size.
Try that today and see how many you can find.
If you jumped in the water by Eden Rock you’d be surrounded by yellow tail snappers and sergeant majors. Not today.
A moratorium seems harsh, but it’s the quickest way to replenish our fish stocks.