is spear fishing legal in Tobago?

[Win Butler]

When I was in the bahamas, I learned to spear fish using a small sling shot like hand held spear (not one of the big guns)....Does anyone know if this is legal in Tobago (because I want to bring the gear, but only if I will be able to use it)....

on a related note....are their any dangerous sharks???

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Win

Can't comment on the spear fishing - hopefully somebody on-island will be able to confirm the situation - but as far as I know, there are not normally any shark problems on the island.

[Patrick Dankou]

Hello Win,
Though not very popular, spear fishing is not illegal in Tobago.
It is being practised by local young skin divers who catch " rock fish" that way, usually parrot fish and other species that live in the shallows.
I am not sure if a spear fishing tourist would have no problems though, some people (especially other tourists) get quite emotional about this topic.
In my humble opinion the good old line and hook is the more appropriate way to get the catch of the day.

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Win

I confirm Patrick's comments. I have regularily seen two young men spear fishing at Arnos Vale. They mostly kill parrot fish of around 1 -2 Kgs.
They tend to fish the outer edges of the reef where, ironically, most of the dive boats drop their divers, who have come to enjoy viewing the reef fish.
I've often wondered how much each parrot fish is worth to these guys, probably very little, when compared to the thousands of dollars that are generated by the dive boats.
I guess as long as these fish are 'harvested' sustainably and allowed to reproduce, a balance is maintained and all can enjoy the benefits of these fish. Overfishing is a world wide epedemic and in a fragile environment, such as a coral reef, the balance is easily tipped and often irreversible.

I'm not sure if a mini - spear gun would raise any alarm at your airport of departure, but it might be confiscated as a deadly/possible hijack weapon if your baggage was inspected upon arrival.

I take it that you don't intend to spear sharks and are more concerned with their presence and your safety? Nurse, lemon (inshore) and Hammer heads (offshore) are the main species. Occasional black tipped reef sharks are seen, but to my knowledge have never proven dangerous. I'm not aware of any recent shark 'attacks'. A local dive operator would have a greater awareness of the dangers posed by these species.

Steve

[Steve Wooler]

It's not a subject I know anything about, but I just came across a web page that might help: http://www.trinbagoinfo.com/spearfishing