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I know that it is illegal to removes shells from VI beaches, but is there a fine if caught? Or just do they just confiscate them?
Marty: Let me understand. You believe that it is illegal to remove shells. You are just trying to figure out if the punishment is worth it or not?
No, someone asked me what would happen if they got caught and I didn't know the answer, so I posted the question here...
confiscation. Guests on the boat try it all the time. We stop them when we can but you can't babysit everyone.
Pamela
$50
Thanks for the answers! I'll forward it along...
Marty - It is the Endangered and Indigenous Species Act that protects various animals and plants in the USVI. The definition of Animal Life in the Act includes animal parts and carcass.
Pam's answer is likely the most common for shells, that its confiscated; but the last section of Act includes penalties... fines and jail.
"Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not less than $100, and not more than $10,000. Such person may also be sentenced to serve a term in jail of not more than sixty (60) days. For the purpose of assessing the penalty, each specimen or an indigenous species, endangered or threatened animal or plant, or mangrove shall be considered a separate offence."
You can review it at: Endangered and Indigenous Species Act.
--Islander
Even better, Islander, thanks! I think that will suffice...I believe that should keep folks from taking any...especially with EACH SPECIMEN OR AN INDIGENOUS SPECIES being considered a separate incident! Yikes!
