The
Cayman Islands lobster fishing season closes Friday, 1 March.

The
National Conservation Law (NCL) sets the closed season for lobster
fishing from 1 March through 30 November each year. No one may take
lobster from Cayman waters, or purchase, receive or possess lobster
taken from Cayman waters during that period.

The
closed seasons for various protected species, including lobster, are
set to allow these creatures a chance to repopulate in the wild.

“We’ve
already warned for prosecution a number of individuals for exceeding
take or possession limits during this open lobster season,” said
Department of Environment (DoE) Chief Conservation Officer Mark Orr.
“Those caught illegally taking lobster or other protected species
during a closed season will face potential prosecution and may be
fined or imprisoned.”

The
NCL sets a general penalty upon conviction of up to four years
imprisonment and/or up to $500,000 in fines for the illegal removal
of marine protected species from the environment.  

The
DoE also wishes to remind residents and visitors that the closed
season for Nassau Grouper continues during their spawning season
through 30 April and that the penalties for illegal take or
possession are the same for that species.   

“These
rules are in place for a good reason, that is to help ensure the
sustainability of our marine species for more generations to come,”
said Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Health, Environment, Culture
and Housing. “This is also in line with our Unity Government’s
Broad Outcome of Ensuring
Caymanians Benefit from a Healthy Environment.” 

For further information about the NCL, species protections, closed seasons or fishing rules, please contact Department of Environment Public Education and Outreach Officer Brent Fuller via phone at 244-5984/922-5514 or email at brent.fuller@gov.ky. You may also email the DoE at Doe@gov.ky or check our website at the following link: http://doe.ky/conservation-law/marine-park-regulations-maps-and-conservation-laws/catch-limits/ for further information.

Photos:
(various lobster photos taken by DoE)