Lobster Season Ends February 28 as Closed Season Set to Begin

The Fisheries Department is reminding fishers and the public that Belize’s lobster season is coming to an end, with the annual closed season set to begin next month.  In a public notice issued today, the department announced that the fishing season for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster will officially conclude on February 28. The legally mandated closed season will then run from March 1 through to the 30^th, in accordance with national fisheries regulations and regional conservation agreements.  Authorities say the temporary closure is necessary to protect lobster stocks during their reproductive period and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, one of Belize’s most valuable marine exports.  The department is also warning that possession of lobster during the closed season is strictly prohibited, and offenders can face prosecution under the Fisheries Resources Act. Fishers are further required to remove all lobster traps from the fishing grounds during the closure period, as enforcement teams will be actively monitoring coastal waters. Officials are encouraging members of the public to report any illegal fishing activity as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s marine resources.  The Fisheries Department says cooperation from fishers and consumers is essential to protecting Belize’s lobster population and securing the future of the fishing industry.