Closed season begins for lobster

By Zya Williams

The (lobster closed season) is now underway, meaning enthusiasts will have to wait before enjoying their favorite seafood again.

As of May 1, it is closed season for the Caribbean spiny lobster. This period continues until June 30.

Antigua and Barbuda has the shortest closed season in the Caribbean and Latin America, which is contrary to the minimum four-month closed season recommended by various fisheries authorities.

Given the mere two month restriction,  the Fisheries Division is urging residents to, “refrain from eating, harvesting, buying, or trading during these months since the closed season represents the peak of the spawning period.”

“It is illegal for a person to fish for, take, place for sale, purchase, or have in possession any Caribbean spiny lobster during the closed season,” underscores the department in statement.

Thus, businesses like hoteliers, street vendors, and restaurateurs should have already disposed of their inventory of Caribbean spiny lobster.

To report violations, the Fisheries Division can be reached at 462-1372 or 462-6106, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].

The ABDF Coast Guard is also available for contact at 462-3206 or 462-2841.

“All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence. Anyone contravening the closed season commits an offence under the Fisheries Regulations 2013 and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars,” stated Ian Horsford, the Chief Fisheries Officer.