The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development informs the general public that the lobster fishery opens from Tuesday August 2, 2022, to Tuesday February 28, 2023, both days inclusive. When the lobster fishery is open, lobsters may be obtained, fished for, sold and purchased; however, the following regulations are in effect in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations Chapter 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 molting.

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;
(b) spear, hook or attempt to spear a lobster;
(c) sell any lobster that has been speared, hooked, or otherwise impaled.

3. In this Regulation: “undersized” means in relation to lobsters-

(a) 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
(b) if the tail has been removed, a tail weight of less than 340 grams (12 ounces).

Contravention of these regulations is subject to a maximum fine of EC$5,000.00.

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. Contact the Department at 468- 4143/4135/714-5293 for further information.

  Caribbean, Saint Lucia