In 2024, the fishing regulations in Puerto Rico have undergone some changes. The new law states that all fishermen, even occasional sport fishermen fishing on the shores of all bodies of water in Puerto Rico, must have a fishing license. These licenses will be available at the seven regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Puerto Rico?
According to the updated regulations, any person fishing in the jurisdictional waters of Puerto Rico must hold the licenses and permits duly issued by the Secretary, except for those exceptions established by law. This includes recreational fishermen, who must have a special recreational fishing permit in addition to their fishing license to fish certain species.
However, there are some exceptions to the fishing license requirement. Anglers fishing on a registered charter will not need to obtain their own license, as they will be covered by the charter’s permit. Additionally, federal waters, which begin where Puerto Rico’s jurisdictional waters end and extend up to 200 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, do not require a permit or license for recreational fishing.
Where to Obtain a Fishing License in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, fishing licenses are not available for purchase at tackle and bait stores, unlike in most of the U.S. mainland. Instead, anglers must seek out one of the seven regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources to obtain their fishing license.
The main offices of the Department of Natural Resources are located at Carr 8839 km. 6.3, Sector, San Juan, 00927, Puerto Rico. It’s important to note that fishing licenses can only be purchased in person at these regional offices.
Fishing Regulations and Restrictions in Puerto Rico
In addition to the fishing license requirement, Puerto Rico has specific regulations and restrictions in place to ensure the sustainable use of marine fishery resources.
Some key regulations to keep in mind include:
Certain species, such as Tarpon, Bonefish, and Billfish, are catch-and-release only.
Other fish are subject to seasons, size, and bag limits. For example, Lane and Mutton Snapper cannot be taken home from April-June, and there’s a variety of Groupers that cannot be kept from February until the beginning of May.
The use of trawl nets, purse seines, and trammel nets for all fishing in federal waters around Puerto Rico is prohibited.
It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations before heading out to fish in Puerto Rico.
In conclusion, the fishing regulations in Puerto Rico have been updated in 2024, and all fishermen, including occasional sport fishermen, must now have a fishing license to fish in the island’s jurisdictional waters. These licenses can only be obtained in person at the seven regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources. Anglers should also be aware of the specific regulations and restrictions in place, such as catch-and-release requirements for certain species and size and bag limits for others.