THE 2003 CLOSED Season for lobster started on April 1, and will end on June 30.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture's Fisheries' Division, during this time, persons are prohibited from capturing lobsters, as outlined in the Fishing Industry Act, 1975 (Section 19), which seeks to prevent injury and disturbance to such endangered fish.
All persons with lobsters in storage at the end of March are therefore required to submit the appropriate declaration to the Fisheries' Division by April 7.
Members of the public have also been reminded that the Fishing Industry Regulations of 1978 (Section 14), prohibit the capture, destruction and possession of "Spiny" lobsters that are pregnant/"berried lobsters" (those with eggs), as well as lobsters that are undersized (having a "carapace"/head and trunk length below 7.62 cm or 3 inches). This regulation is in effect all year round, and is not restricted to the Lobster Closed Season.
The Fishing Industry Act authorises the Minister of Agriculture to declare by order, from time to time, any period to be a Closed Season, for the purpose of protecting any species of fish in such order.
