B.V.I. Music Festival and Conservation and Fisheries Department would like to take this opportunity to share our environmental awareness with community residents and guests.
BVI Music Festival Committee Conservation & Fisheries Department Respect the Beautiful BVI
1. The Closed Season for all marine turtles is in effect now - from 1st April - 30th November. During this time, no one should disturb, catch, kill, buy or sell any turtles, or their eggs. Give these beautiful creatures a chance to reproduce and ‘replenish the earth.’
2. Internationally protected Leatherback turtles nest and hatch between March and June in the BVI. Help these incredible creatures survive by turning off your beachfront lights on known nesting beaches, and do not disturb them if you see them. Contact the Conservation & Fisheries Department at telephone 494-5681 to report any sightings.
3. Litter and unsecured garbage is an eye-sore and a potential health hazard to visitors and residents alike. Do your part to keep the BVI beautiful by placing all your waste in designated garbage receptacles for proper disposal.
4. Mangrove and salt ponds are the primary reason the BVI's coastal waters are so pristine. They work to prevent soil run-off and debris from reaching the sea. Since our mangrove and salt ponds can only deal with limited amounts of material, avoid littering these areas with items like plastics and glass bottles. You'll certainly appreciate the job they do the next time you go into the water.
5. Lobsters are valuable sea creatures. They help keep the marine environment clean and free of decomposing debris. At no time should anyone take or sell undersized or pregnant lobsters, or lobsters from which the eggs have been removed. The catching of lobsters using spear gun, hook, or SCUBA gear is also strictly prohibited.
6. The BVI has excellent fishing grounds that must be managed properly to be enjoyed by all now and in the future. Visitors interested in fishing may obtain a sports or pleasure fishing license by applying to the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour at the Central Administration Complex on Tortola.
7. BVI watersheds are a vital resource ensuring a safe ground water supply and healthy marine environment. Waste from our homes and boats enter the watersheds and bay areas. Wherever possible, use natural or environmentally-safe cleaning products in your home or on your boat. Managing your home or boat well, means managing the environment well.
8. To our many boating visitors, we say welcome to the 6th Annual BVI Music Fest. Make your stay enjoyable and safe by exercising vigilance and good conduct in our crowded bay areas. Observe international rules of boating safety in harbours by reducing your speed where appropriate, avoiding swimming and recreational areas, and discharging all waste at designated pump-out stations or outside the 3 mile limit.
9. BVI coral reefs are among the most breath-taking in the world, and are as sensitive as they are beautiful. Coral suffering anchor damage may take decades to recover, if at all. Do your best to ensure our coral reefs stay alive and healthy by using moorings wherever possible, or anchoring your boat only in sandy bottom areas.
10. BVI ghuts and bays are beautiful and functional island features that can easily be filled with man-made trash and litter. Help keep our ghuts and bays clear of waste by re-using paper products, vegetable waste and bottles, as well as reducing the amount of disposable products you rely on. These are some good ways of keeping the environment healthy and saving your money.
These enviornmental messages brought to you by the Conservation & Fisheries Department and the BVI Music Festival Committee.
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