Government policy reserves commercial fisheries as a right for B V Islanders and Belongers. BVI has a total landmass of 155.4-sq. Fisheries is the primary natural resource however, its contribution to the GDP is often under estimated and its importance not fully appreciated. The BVI possesses rich and diverse reef and pelagic fish stocks, the integrated development of which can play a leading role in the diversification of the economy and reduction of the import bill for seafood's. The role of fisheries goes far beyond the commercial aspects, it is also important for food, nutrition, health and recreation of the territory.
Fisheries play an important role in tourism, which is often overlooked.
Hotels, restaurants, the dive industry and the charter boat industry rely on fish either as a local cuisine as well as for recreation or for its attraction. Commercial longline fishery and sport fishery have multi- million dollar earning potential and their proper development should be considered as a strategic priority. Whilst constraints to development should be investigated, potential threats to fisheries must be addressed. Coastal habitats, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are important to fisheries, must be protected from adverse development and degradation. Putting in place good management plans and effective surveillance and enforcement procedures would minimize resource use conflicts and illegal activity.