During Cabinet’s meeting on Thursday March 12th, 2015 it was discussed and approved that the close of the lobster season would be extended to March 31, 2015.
The extension is subject to the following recommendations made by Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA):
• Fishermen should report to DEMA any sightings of spawning or egg bearing lobsters. The report should indicate the number of locations where the spawning lobsters were observed.
• Any egg-bearing lobsters that will be caught should be returned immediately unharmed to the water (sea).
• The current size-limit will stand as it is. No lobster less than 3.25 inches in length should be caught. The length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes along the middle of the back to the rear of the carapace or back shell or when the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not.
The extension for the lobster season is in congruence to The Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulation 12(1) which states: “The closed season in relation to crawfish shall be the period from the first day of April to the thirty-first day of July (inclusive) in each year or such other dates as may, from time to time, be appointed by the Governor in the Gazette”. Should there be changes on the opening of the lobster season, an appropriate notice will be issued.
“The extension for the lobster season supersedes any earlier notice. The close season for lobster will start on April 1, 2015” stated Henry Wilson, (Acting) Director, DEMA.
“During the closed season, any person who catches, purchases or is in possession of a lobster will be committing an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or both.”
DEMA requests all fishermen, restaurant owners and managers, local and foreign residents and plant owners to ensure that no lobster remains in their possession as of April 1, 2015. Any clarifications regarding the above information can be directed to DEMA at 338-4171 or emailed to environment@gov.tc.
