Lobster Ban OSP-02-09

Six Central American countries have joined forces for the first time to help protect the Caribbean spiny lobster from over-fishing during the breeding season.

 

The catch and commercialization of spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is prohibited jointly in Caribbean waters from March 1 to June 30, announced the Authority on Aquatic Resources of Panama (ARAP). 

 

The fishing ban was fixed for these months as the highest peak of lobster reproduction is registered at this time.

 

The waters of the Central American Caribbean maintain this significant fishery and are fundamental to the reproductive health of this species, which has been systematically overexploited. The measure is therefore in force for fishing vessels of Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Belize, and there will be restaurant inspections and fines for non-conformity with the new regulation.

Please do not buy lobsters from the local fishermen and inform them that you will continue to not buy them until June 30. Additionally, you can report any fishermen, fishmongers or restaurants breaching this ban to BSTA.

An invasion of non-native lionfish is threatening the fragile reefs of the Caribbean, after these bizarre-looking creatures found their way into the waters off southern Florida some years ago. As well as being abundant in Bocas del Toro, they are also extremely tasty, and by ordering lionfish in a restaurant you are helping to protect the marine ecosystems of Bocas... as well as enjoying an exotic dish!

 

Visit www.ispearlionfish.org for more details.