The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is reminding the public that the 2014/2015 Lobster Season will be closed this year on March 15, 2015.
The Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulation 12(1) 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”.
This season, the Governor, advised by Cabinet and DEMA, opened the lobster season on 15th August, 2014 at which time the public was notified that the closure would take place on 15 March 2015.
During the closed season, any person who fishes for, 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 is urging all fishers, restaurant owners, private residents and plant owners to ensure that no crawfish remains in their possession as of 15 March 2015.
Any comments or questions regarding the above information can be directed to DEMA at 338.4170 or emailed to
DEMA is seeking the cooperation of the public in the above matter.