March 1, 2025:- The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries advises the public that the 2024-2025 Hunting Season will officially close on March 1, 2025. This closure is part of ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.
All hunters and members of the public are reminded that strict adherence to the following regulations governing the closed season is required.
- End of Hunting Period:
- All hunting activity on public and private lands must cease by Friday, February 28, 2025.
- Deadline for Game Disposal:
- By Monday, March 31, 2025, all game animal carcasses or parts must be removed from properties and personal possession.
- Mandatory Data Returns:
- Holders of 2024-2025 Hunting Permits must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms by May 31, 2025.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failure to submit the Mandatory Data Return Form by May 31, 2025, will result in a fine of TT$2,500 per form.
- Hunting during the closed season is illegal and punishable by a fine of TT$100,000, as per Legal Notice 275 of 2020.
Hunters must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms at any of the following locations:
– District Revenue Office, Tunapuna – (868) 662-2797
– Forestry Office, Rio Claro – (868) 225-3743
– District Revenue Office, Chaguanas – (868) 671-4773
– Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James – (868) 225-3861
– Forestry Division, Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville, San Fernando – (868) 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
– Forestry Division, Sangre Grande – (868) 225-3728
– Department of Natural Resources & Forestry, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Tobago – (868) 639-2273
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries urges all citizens to adhere to these regulations to support the conservation of wildlife and protect the delicate ecological balance of Trinidad and Tobago. Compliance is essential to ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from our country’s rich biodiversity.
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February 28, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) reminds the public that Trinidad and Tobago’s annual sea turtle nesting season runs from March 1 to August 31, 2025. The three (3) main nesting beaches are: Fishing Pond, Matura, and Grande Rivière. These beaches are Prohibited Areas and permission is required for entry for the purpose of turtle viewing in accordance with the Forest Act Chapter 66:01-Forests Order (11) 28/1990 and (13) 71/1997. Permits can be acquired at designated Forestry Division and District Revenue offices from February 28, 2025.
The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution and avoid any activity that may disrupt nesting, cause hatchling disorientation, or result in nest abandonment. The public is thereby encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Do not sit on turtles, as this can cause fatal organ damage.
- Keep beaches clean, as marine debris like plastic and fishing gear can entangle turtles.
- Avoid bright lights such as flambeaus, fires, and flashlights, which disorient hatchlings.
- Respect nesting sites and avoid driving, biking, digging, or removing sand from the beach.
- Report any harm to turtles, eggs, or hatchlings to the Forestry Division, Environmental Management Authority (EMA), or Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
It’s important to note that the five (5) species of marine turtles visiting Trinidad and Tobago’s shores during this season – the Leatherback turtle, Green Turtle, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill, are classified as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS), and are protected by law under Legal Notice No.89, Vol.53, No.37 and Section 2 of Conservation of Wild Life Act (CoWA). Violations carry serious penalties, including:
- A Fine of TT$100,000
- Two (2) years imprisonment
Persons interested in turtle viewing tours can purchase permits at the locations below:
(Regular business hours: Monday to Friday, except public holidays)
- Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James, Phone: 225-3861
- Forestry Division, Pleasantville, San Fernando, Phone: 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
- Forestry Division, Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande, Phone: 225-3728
- District Revenue Office, Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas, Phone: 671-4773
- District Revenue Office, Tunapuna, Phone: 662-2797
- Forestry Office, Rio Claro, Phone: 868-225-3743
Please be advised that strict adherence to the guidelines provided by authorized tour guides and cooperation with law enforcement officers is essential at all times. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries thanks the public for their cooperation in safeguarding our marine biodiversity and ensuring the conservation of sea turtles during the nesting season.
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