Lobster season reopens as conch season closes
The Caribbean spiny lobster fishing season has officially reopened, marking the end of its annual two-month closure. As of today, residents can once again legally catch, sell, and consume this popular seafood without risk of penalties.
The lobster closed season, which ran from May 1 to June 30, is notably the shortest in the Caribbean and Latin America.
This duration falls short of the four-month minimum recommended by several regional fisheries management bodies, including the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), the OECS Model Harmonized Fisheries Legislation, and the St. George’s Declaration on Spiny Lobster.
As the lobster season opens, the queen conch season simultaneously closes. The conch, an internationally endangered species, will be off-limits from July 1 to August 31. This closure aims to protect and sustain the conch population.
Authorities remind all fishers, vendors, restaurants, and retailers that it is illegal to fish, sell, purchase, or possess any species during its respective closed season. Violations can result in hefty fines, with penalties reaching up to EC$50,000. Additionally, using an unregistered local vessel for fishing carries a maximum fine of EC$100,000.
It’s important to note that the closed season for parrot fish or chub fish, which began on May 1, remains in effect until July 31.
These regulations underscore the ongoing efforts to balance commercial fishing interests with the need for sustainable marine resource management in the Caribbean region.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/07/02/lobster-season-reopens-as-conch-season-closes. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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