Environmental and wildlife preservation in Jamaica

National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is the organization in charge of monitoring environmental and wildlife preservation in Jamaica.

NEPA was established to protect the environment by enforcing various protection acts on nature and wildlife (including that of endemic species) in the face of development in Jamaica.

A regulatory agency, they are the go-to source for rules and regulations as it pertains to conservation and protection, planning, compliance, and enforcement.

If as a visitor you witness something that is seemingly inappropriate or infringes on the protection of the local environment, contact NEPA to file a complaint.

Bird

Bird “Bush” hunting season & the Wildlife Protection Act of 1945

One event heavily monitored by NEPA is the bird-hunting season in Jamaica, familiarly known as “bird bush.”

Bird bush occurs once a year for six weeks from the third weekend in August (on weekends only) and requires a license issued by NEPA.

Stipulations for bird bush include days and times for hunting, approved locations, and the types/quantities of birds that can be hunted. Fines and even prosecution can occur if these rules are not complied with.

For more information, visit NEPA.

NEPA is also responsible for protecting our endangered, epidemic animal species. These include the Jamaican iguana, yellow-billed Amazon parrot, hawksbill turtle, and the Jamaica tody.

Heavy fines and prosecution can be incurred for trapping, selling, or eating these animals under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1945.

For a full list of protected animals and the laws surrounding them, visit NEPA.

Annual conch and lobster season in Jamaica

In an effort to prevent the over-fishing of both species, there are times of the year in which both the Caribbean spiny lobsters and queen conch cannot be caught – these coincide with their breeding season and allow for enough time for the young species to mature adequately.