Restricted bird shooting season approved following Hurricane Melissa
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The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) has decided to grant approval in principle for a restricted bird shooting season for 2026.
The decision was made at a meeting of the Authority on Tuesday.
The NRCA agreed that the preliminary decision was necessary to balance industry readiness with the significant ecological impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in October 2025.
NEPA says, as a result, the 2026 bird shooting season will likely include geographical limitations and a reduced number of shoots.
NEPA says the advisory regarding the decision was being issued solely to support early planning within the sector, including the procurement of supplies.
It says further details on the final arrangements for the season will be released in due course.
"The NRCA remains fully sensitive to the communities and habitats affected by the hurricane and will continue to prioritize environmental protection in all its decisions," a media release from NEPA said.
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