Last updated on November 1, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Parrotfish have been legally protected in Bermuda since 1993 under the Fisheries Act 1972. Catching, killing, or selling them is a criminal offence punishable by fines up to USD 50,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The Rule Beneath the Waves
Bermuda’s turquoise waters hide a quiet hero: the parrotfish. These brilliantly colored reef dwellers are more than eye candy for snorkelers—they are ecological powerhouses. Their daily routine of scraping algae off coral keeps reefs healthy and thriving. Without them, algae would smother corals, turning vibrant ecosystems into lifeless rubble. That’s why Bermuda took decisive action decades ago to protect these fish from overfishing.
Why Parrotfish Matter
Parrotfish are considered a keystone species, meaning the entire reef ecosystem depends on them. They not only clean algae but also create Bermuda’s famous pink sand. How? As they graze, they ingest bits of coral rock and tiny red foraminifera. These are ground up and excreted as sand, giving Bermuda beaches their rosy hue. A single large parrotfish can produce hundreds of pounds of sand per year. Remove parrotfish, and you don’t just lose a fish—you lose reef health and the very sand that defines Bermuda’s shoreline.
The Legal Framework
Recognizing their importance, Bermuda banned the capture and sale of parrotfish in 1993. The Fisheries Act 1972 and subsequent regulations make it an offence to take, kill, or sell parrotfish. Penalties are steep: up to USD 50,000 in fines and two years in prison. Enforcement is strict, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources urging the public to report any suspicious fishing activity. Licensed fishermen must show valid photo ID, and consumers are advised to buy only from approved sources.
From Crisis to Conservation
This protection wasn’t born out of theory—it was a response to ecological collapse. In the 1970s and 1980s, industrial-scale fish potting decimated Bermuda’s reef fish populations, including parrotfish. By the early 1990s, reefs were in decline, prompting a ban on fish pots and later, full protection for parrotfish. Today, Bermuda’s reefs are healthier than many in the Caribbean, thanks to these measures. Studies show parrotfish populations rebounded within a few years of the ban, restoring balance to the ecosystem.
Practical Implications
For locals and visitors, the rule is simple: do not catch, harm, or sell parrotfish. Recreational fishers must release any parrotfish caught accidentally and handle them with care. Restaurants and markets cannot serve parrotfish, and possession of the species—alive or dead—is illegal. These laws apply across Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and ignorance is no excuse. If you see parrotfish on a menu or in a cooler, it’s a red flag.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
Protecting parrotfish isn’t just about biodiversity—it’s about preserving Bermuda’s identity. Pink beaches, thriving reefs, and sustainable tourism all hinge on these fish. Their protection reflects Bermuda’s commitment to marine stewardship and global conservation goals. In a world where coral reefs are under siege, Bermuda’s approach offers a model of proactive, science-based policy.
Looking for more Bermuda animal rules? Check out Is it allowed to keep beehives in Bermuda without registering them? and Is it allowed to own a pit bull terrier in Bermuda?
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Sources
Minister Roban Condemns Illegal Killing of Parrotfish – Government of Bermuda
https://www.gov.bm/articles/minister-roban-condemns-illegal-killing-parrotfish-investigation-underway
November 23, 2020
Fishing Restrictions and Catch Limits – Government of Bermuda
https://www.gov.bm/fishing-restrictions-and-catch-limits
Ongoing