Ciguatera Threat

[Nantucket]

Hi all.
I'm headed down to the Bahamas in 2 weeks and wanted to know what people think about the ciguatera threat when spearing and eating reef fish. I'm very familiar with what ciguatera is and how it bioaccumulates but, would like to know other's guidlines for size of fish and or species to target to minimize the risk. Thanks.

 

[Hank49]

Never having been there myself, I would talk to locals when I got there. I trust a lot of people here on Scubaboard but maybe not enough to eat possibly toxic fish.

 

[diversteve]

You know it's illegal on Scuba right? Fishing regulations | The Islands of The Bahamas

Spearfishing

To protect the marine environment, possession of spear guns and spear fishing using scuba gear are illegal in The Bahamas, although free diving with a Hawaiian sling is permitted.

Permits

Permits can be obtained from Customs officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you may not fish with more than six rods at a time.

A Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. Use of scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish and other marine animals is prohibited. Spearfishing is not allowed within 1.6 km off the coast of New Providence, within 1.6 km off the south coast of Freeport or Grand Bahama Island, or within 200 yards off the coast of all the Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.