KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is warning people found with lobsters during the closed season, that they could face a maximum fine of three million dollars (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) or two years in prison.
The closed season runs from April 1 to June 30 and the NFA said that it is illegal to be fishing for lobsters, including spiny lobsters, during the period.
“No spiny lobsters are to be held alive during the closed season in any holding device. However, spiny lobsters unintentionally captured in fishing gear must be immediately returned to the water, free, alive and unharmed,” the NFA said.
The authorities said that the closed season gives lobsters the freedom to breed and repopulate without being fished, adding this is an important feature of promoting the sustainability of Jamaica’s lobster product.
The NFA is also warning that the possession of tails from undersized or berried lobsters is strictly prohibited and that all lobsters that are found to carry eggs are considered berried lobsters.
“Lobsters that have not reached the minimum size of 7.62cm /3 inches measured from the eyes to the end of the carapace (back only, not including the tail) are illegal throughout the year and will continue to be enforced by the Police, Fishery Inspectors, Game Wardens and other law-enforcement officers,” the NFA added.
