THE Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Natural Resources and Co-operatives informs the general public that the lobster fishery opens from Monday, August 2, 2021 to Monday, February 28, 2022, both days inclusive.
When the lobster fishery is open, lobsters may be fished for, sold and purchased; however, the following regulations are in effect in accordance with Regulation 32 of the Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia:
(1) No person shall harm, give, receive from anyone, or at any time have in his possession, expose for sale, sell or purchase:
(a) Any lobster that is undersized;
(b) Any lobster carrying eggs; and
(c) Any lobster which is moulting.
(2) No person shall:
(a) Remove the eggs from a lobster, or have in his possession, or sell, or purchase a lobster from which the eggs have been removed; spear, hook or attempt to spear a lobster;
(b) Sell any lobster that has been speared, hooked, or otherwise impaled.
(3) (a) In this Regulation: “lobster” includes the whole or any part of any lobster;
(b) “undersize” means in relation to lobster –
(i) Less than 9.5 centimeters (3.75 ins.) in carapace length measured from the ridge at the base of the horns to the end of the carapace (back shell); or
(ii) If the tail has been removed, a tail weight of less than 340 grams (12 ounces).
Contravention of Regulations is subject to a maximum fine of EC$5000.00.
The Department seeks the cooperation of everyone and encourages members of the public to report to the Marine Police Unit, District Police Stations or the Department of Fisheries, any person or establishment found contravening the Lobster Fishery regulations.