Conservation & Fisheries Department

Department Description	The Conservation and Fisheries Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, of the Government of the British Virgin Islands, seeks to manage the natural resources of the British Virgin Islands in a sustainable manner. It was formed specifically to address the growing environmental stresses that the British Virgin Islands are experiencing.
Responsibilities	The Department is responsible for all aspects of Natural Resources Management and is divided into five functional units, each focusing on a particular aspect. These units are: The Fisheries Unit The Environmental Unit The Environmental Education Unit The Geographic Information Systems Unit The Administration Unit The Department's commitment to service includes working closely with fishermen to manage the fisheries resources, monitoring the natural environment and wildlife, mapping the territory's natural resources, providing information on the environment to the public, and developing policies and legislation for managing the natural environment.
Services	Monitoring of marine and terrestrial habitats Monitoring the impact of development for compliance guidelines (ex: moorings, jetties, land reclamation, and dredging) Reviewing development applications and making recommendations Monitoring the impact of development on coastal wildlife Conducting regular maintenance and cleanup of the beaches and coastlines Investigating complaints on environmental nuisances Monitoring water quality at major beaches to ensure good quality water for swimming Conducting regular surveillance and enforcement activities Responding to oil spills or other pollutants and ensuring their cleanup Providing clean dive sites and snorkel trails for divers Training fishermen in new fishing techniques and methodologies Approving fishing permits Inspecting and registering fishing vessels Assisting fishermen with obtaining loans and waiver of customs duty on import Reviewing applications for marine scientific research Monitoring the status of wildlife in the territory, that is particularly threatened, as well as endangered species
Contact Information
Department Head Mr. Bertrand Lettsome, Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer Physical Location Quatisky Building 2nd Floor Road Town, Tortola, BVI	Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext. 5551 (284) 494-5681 , 5682 Fax: (284) 468-3701 ext. 4979 (284) 494-2670 Email: cdf@bvi.gov.vg Website:	Mailing Address Conservation and Fisheries Department P.O. Box 3323 Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm	Suggestions, feedback, and complaints can be directed to the department head