The public is advised that on June 15th, 2018, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration Senator Hon. Godwin Hulse signed the Forests (Protection of Mangroves) Regulations 2018, which replaces the regulations in force at the time of signing.
The new Mangroves Regulations, which went through an arduous process of discussion and consultation, come into effect on June 23rd, 2018 upon publication in the Gazette.

The new Mangroves Regulations place greater emphasis on the management and conservation of mangroves in critical areas on the mainland and on the cayes. They also recognize the significance of mangroves as an important feature of our coastline and cayes - the role they play in coastline protection, contribution to our economy, and their aesthetic, ecological and environmental values and functions - and incorporate these intrinsic values to inform the decision-making process for alteration requests. The new Regulations also provide for an improved application process for alteration permits, institute a new systematic fee system, and strengthen penalties and fines to deter illegal mangrove alteration.

The Ministry will be conducting sessions to educate the public and key stakeholders on the various sections of the Mangrove Regulations. A copy of the new Regulations will be publicly available upon publication in the Gazette. Digital copies will also be made available on the Ministry's website.