ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, Aug. 6, 2026 — Residents and businesses are being reminded that the closed season for queen conch remains in effect across Antigua and Barbuda until Aug. 31. During the closed season, it is illegal to harvest, sell, buy, or possess queen conch, as the species is currently in its breeding period. Allowing queen conch to reproduce during the closed season supports healthier populations and helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal harvesting, sale, or possession of queen conch to the Fisheries Division at 462-1372. The annual queen conch closed season runs from July 1 through Aug. 31.