Bermuda has a wide variety of plant and animal species in need of protection from the pressures of exploitation and development. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources oversees the recovery of these protected species through the development and implementation of recovery plans.
For further details about each species protected under the Protected Species Act (2003), please download a copy of our booklet File: Flora and Fauna of the Bermuda Protected Species Act (2003)
Protected Species at a Glance
It is illegal to possess, take, sell, harass, or harm the following species, protected under the Fisheries Act 1972 and Protected Species Act 2003.
| Category | Species |
| Marine animals | All marine turtles, whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sharks |
| Fin fish | Nassau grouper, red grouper, gag grouper, yellowfin grouper, tiger grouper, snowy grouper, mutton hamlet, all parrotfish species, seahorses, spotted eagle ray |
| Corals | All soft and hard corals |
| Other invertebrates | Sea urchins, sea puddings |
| Molluscs | West Indian top shell, Queen conch, Harbour conch, Bermuda scallop, Calico scallop, Calico clam, Atlantic pearl oyster |
| Hook-and-line only | Bonefish, pompano (may only be caught using hook and line) |
If you accidentally catch any of these species while fishing, handle them with due care and return them to the sea immediately. Release them even if they do not survive.
For Bermuda's full recreational fishing rules, including gear restrictions, no-net bays, spearfishing, and lobster diving regulations - see Recreational Fishing Rules.
Penalties for Breaking the Protected Species Laws
Protected Marine Species
You cannot injure, capture, kill, destroy, collect, or be in possession of any of the marine species listed in the Fisheries Protected Species Order 1978, anywhere within Bermuda's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), unless authorized by a permit.
Penalties include imprisonment for two years, a fine of $25,000, or both. Any animals taken and any vessel, instrument, and equipment used might be taken from you.
Protected Birds
As with protecting marine species, you cannot capture, kill, destroy, or have in your possession a protected bird or the skin, plumage, or egg of a protected bird, unless authorized by a permit.
Penalty includes a fine of $2,000 in respect of each offence against the Protection of Birds Act.
Other Protected Species
You cannot injure, disturb, harass, kill, capture, or collect any of the species listed in the Protected Species Order 2012, unless authorized with a permit. Similarly, you cannot willfully damage, destroy, remove, or obstruct the habitat or nest of any protected species, unless authorized by a permit.
Penalties depend on the level of protection assigned to that species, as follows:
| Level | Penalty |
| Level 1 | Fine of $25,000 or two years imprisonment |
| Level 2 | Fine of $15,000 or one year imprisonment |
| Level 3 | Fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment |
The lists of species protected by these laws change as they are added or removed from their respective orders.
Researching One of Bermuda's Protected Species
Apply for a Protected Species Licence for Scientific Research.