The public is advised that the annual closure of the Lobster Fishery begins March 1, 2013 and extends to August 1, 2013, both days inclusive .

When the Lobster Fishery is closed IT IS ILLEGAL TO:

Fish for, remove from the fishery waters,

Expose for sale, sell or purchase,

Or at any time have in possession any Lobster.

The Lobster Fishery is closed annually as a means of ensuring that the lobster population can rebuild and contribute to sustainable livelihoods by reducing the amount of lobsters removed from the sea annually and reducing disturbances to lobsters during peak reproduction. The laws protecting lobsters have been in place for the past 17 yrs and are key tools in ensuring that lobsters can continue to provide valuable income for local fishers, vendors and restaurateurs as well as a source of protein for the general public.

Department of Fisheries continues to be concerned about the lack of compliance with the closure of the Lobster Fishery. Members of the public, fishers, vendors and restaurant establishments that fail to comply with the closure of the lobster fishery threaten the ability of the lobster population to rebuild and achieve a healthy population for continued sustainable fishing. As such, non-compliance with the closure of the lobster fishery rules may result in the extended closure of the lobster fishery as a means of ensuring a healthy lobster population.Please report to the Marine Police, the nearest Police Station of the Department of Fisheries, any person or establishment that is not complying with the rules of the closure of the Lobster Fishery.

The Department appeals to the general public, local fishers, vendors, hotel and restaurants to comply with annual closure of the Lobster Fishery. Anyone violating the Lobster Fishery Close Season rules may be fined up to EC$5000.00 for each offence.

For additional information contact the Department of Fisheries at telephone number 468-4135.