The annual Lobster Closed Season begins on April 1 and will continue until June 30. This means that the catching of lobsters is prohibited by law during this period.

The closed season is necessary because lobsters in the waters around Jamaica have their annual breeding season in the late Spring and early Summer of each year.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries website : "It is against the law to catch, buy or sell lobsters during the Lobster Closed Season.  It is also against the law to catch berried lobsters (with eggs) or undersized lobsters (3.5 inches in carapace length) throughout the year.”

Persons who have spiny lobsters in storage between April 1 and 21,must declare them to the licensing authority. In this case the lobsters may be sold, exported or processed within this 21-day period.

Under the law after April 21, it will be illegal for anyone, including licensed fishermen without permission,  to have any species of spiny lobsters, spiny lobster parts or products in their possession. It will not matter whether the lobster is fresh, frozen or otherwise. Persons found in breach will be liable for prosecution. The penalty for this breach is six months in prison.

Persons with lobsters in their possession may contact the Fisheries Division to declare them. The telephone numbers are:  923-8811-3.

Mangroves help to protect our coastlines and provide breeding areas for many marine creatures.  We have a responsibility to protect our mangroves.

Beach cleanup continues to be an important activity that helps to protect marine life.  Of course, people are also helped, directly, by improvement in hygiene and the provision of safe spaces for ourselves and our children.