The Conservation and Fisheries Department is reminding the public, particularly the fishing and hospitality community that it is illegal to fish for, obtain or possess sea-turtle meat or bi-products.

A swimming area has been demarcated at the White Bay beach, Jost Van Dyke to provide a safer swimming experience for visitors, residents and the wider British Virgin Islands community.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering congratulated Captain Gene LeBron, Angler Luis Isaias  and the Jichi Vessel Fishing Team on their catch and win at the Scrub Island Blue Marlin Invitational Tournament.

Madam Speaker, at the sitting of this House on 25^th January 2016 I introduced the North Shore Integrated Coastal and Watershed Stabilization Project. At that time the Project was just getting started; I am pleased to report that a significant amount of work has been done since that time which I wish to share with the House today.

Madame Speaker, there is a vexing problem facing the Territory with respect to the feral (wild and uncultured) animal population. Through the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry I have received numerous complaints from farmers and homeowners alike of the damage these animals cause. While the Department of Agriculture has always been engaged in efforts to reduce the numbers in the stray animal population, efforts are being ratcheted up to alleviate this problem through the implementation of a Strategic Feral Animal Control Management Plan.  This plan provides the framework that involves actions to minimize the negative economic and environmental impacts. It also takes into consideration public health issues that can be caused by wild untamed diseased animals.

The Conservation and Fisheries Department is accepting registration forms for the 2016 Environmental Education Summer Programme for students between the ages of 6 and 14.

The Government of the British Virgin Islands will be receiving technical assistance for the development of a National Ocean Policy.

Students and individuals are invited to create a three dimensional artistic piece using only recycled material, in observance of Environment Week.

Students from the Wendell Potter Learning Centre, Venetta’s Day Care & Early Learning Centre and Simmonds Pre-school along with officers from the Conservation and Fisheries Department are pictured engaging in an interactive and informative educational presentation.

Residents of Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay are invited to another public meeting tomorrow, May 19, at the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre at 7:00 p.m.