The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs is reminding all fishing interests that the 2012-2013 Lobster Season will close at midnight on Sunday April 14th. The Fisheries Protection Ordinance 2009 provides for a close season on lobster between April and July each year.
During the closed season, it is illegal for fishermen to land or trade in lobsters and for restaurants and hotels to serve lobsters. DEMA therefore urges all hotel and restaurant managers to ensure that they have NO lobsters in their possession at the end of the season. Fishers are also being reminded that in the remaining days of the season, berried lobsters, or lobsters with eggs, must be returned to the water. The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs anticipates the compliance of the stated laws and regulations by all citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s worth remembers that under Regulation 12 (3) (b) of The Fisheries Protection Ordinance 2009: “Any person who purchases or is in possession of any marine product during a period which is a closed season for that species of marine product commits an offence.” For additional information regarding the closing of the lobster season call DEMA at 941-5122.
