Fishing returns to Grand Cayman

Fishermen around Grand Cayman have had much reason to celebrate as they have now joined their counterparts in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman on the high seas.

A profusion of pictures and videos has been making the rounds, depicting persons show-ing their catch to friends and family, as the Cayman Islands’ residents seek to return to normal life after nearly two months of COVID-19, lockdown restrictions.

Just last week, calls for fishing restrictions to be lifted had reached a fevered pitch, as Caymanians were growing increasingly eager to get back on the water, with several pockets of protest popping up both on the streets and online.

On Tuesday, 19 May however, fishing from the shoreline or a boat was permitted be-tween the hours of 5:15am and 7pm any day except Sunday.

All marine rules apply, including closed seasons, take limits, and restrictions on fishing in certain zones.

Many in the community said they are anxious to see whether the time indoors and away from the water has caused fisheries to replenish and if there will be more ‘action’.

“I know they’re going to be biting. That’s for sure,” noted Mr. Timothy Watson, who added that he was grateful to have the ability to provide for his family.

The Rules for fishing are as follows:

• Shoreline fishing is permitted

• If in a boat, only two people per boat

• Large commercial fishing boats may operate in addition to other cargo vessels

• Listen to the weather report and adhere to small craft warnings

• Always take a working vhf radio and a fully charged cell phone

• Ensure you have a life vest for each person on the boat

• No party boats

• No boating allowed on Sunday

• No more than 2 people per boat

• Do not leave the Cayman Islands’ territorial waters, otherwise both passengers on the boat will be subject to quarantine by the Government upon return

• No high-speed watercraft

• No congregating, boating or fishing at Starfish Point, Rum Point, Sandbar or Stingray City

• You may not operate or maneuver a boat so as to congregate or gather with any other person on any other boat or vessel.

Grand Cayman is hoping to join Cayman Brac and Little Cayman with regard to lesser restrictions. Currently, the Sister Islands have been gradually taken off more drastic pre-vention measures.

“All restrictions have been lifted in Little Cayman and I suspect Cayman Brac is not far behind, noted Premier, the Honourable Alden McLaughlin at a recent Cayman Islands Government press briefing.”

There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Little Cayman, while there have been two known cases in Cayman Brac.