Hotel and Restaurant Lobster Training 2015

By : Department of Fisheries

Overview of the Lobster Fishery

Spiny Lobster is an important fisheries component and the single most valuable

fisheries specie in many of the islands of the Caribbean (including St. Lucia).

In Saint Lucia, the lobster fishery is very important:

provides employment for many fishers, particularly during the low season

provides a seafood of choice for local hotels and restaurants

Red Banded Lobster

Slipper Lobster “Sapat”

Four Lobster Species

Spiny Lobster “Homa”

Spotted Lobster“Gwi Gwi”

Most common

Lobster Landing and ValueYear Weight (tons) Ex-Vessel Price

2004 10.6 $416,532.71

2005 15.34 $593,301.28

2006 9.36 $381,695.90

2007 12.66 $497,728.27

2008 12.64 491,049.15

2009 9.63 389,093.96

2010 19.2 $770,149.84

2011 24.08 $984,989.85

2012 28.15 $1,178,063.94

2013 30.70 1248580.80

2014 25.39 1001479.66 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20140

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

10.6

15.34

9.36000000000001

12.66 12.64

9.63

19.2

24.08

28.15

30.6973374545455

25.3901690454545

Weight in(tons)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20140.00

200,000.00

400,000.00

600,000.00

800,000.00

1,000,000.00

1,200,000.00

1,400,000.00Value

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20140

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

10.6

15.34

9.36000000000001

12.66 12.64

9.63

19.2

24.08

28.15

30.6973374545455

25.3901690454545

Weight in(tons)

Lobster Season

CLOSED SEASON March 1 – August 1

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

OPEN SEASON August 2- Feb 29

Why should we respect Lobster OPEN and CLOSE Seasons?

To ensure that the stock is sustainably maintained

for livelihood, food security and ecosystem

purposes

Know the LAWAccording to Section 32 of the Fisheries

Regulations Cap 7.15 when the fishery is CLOSED

“it is illegal to fish for, remove from the fishery waters, give, or at any time have in his or her

possession, expose for sale, sell or purchase any lobsters or any part of the lobster when the

fishery is CLOSED”.

It is illegal to harm or at any time have in one’s possession:

any lobster that is undersized any lobster carrying eggs any lobster which is moulting Sell any lobster that has been speared or

hooked Remove eggs from a lobster

What Purchasers NEED to KNOWduring lobster Open and Closed Season

Your actions would ensure a sustained and productive

lobster fishery.

CLOSED SEASON MARCH 1 to AUGUST 1

Establishments engaged in the sale and trade of lobsters shall:

Declare all lobster stocks to the DOF by the last day of the open season

Utilize all lobsters within one month BEFORE close season

IMPORTANT!! Conditions for the importation of Lobster

MUST be approved by DOF

Conditions for Importation

• Lobsters must be landed whole • Species name must be stated on the label

(cannot be the Caribbean spiny lobster ) • Must be served whole (during the closed

season) • Caribbean Spiny Lobster should NOT be

advertised for sale (e.g. Northern Atlantic , American Lobster)

OPEN SEASON AUGUST 2 to FEBRUARY 29

DO NOT Purchase Lobsters

• That have Eggs

• That are moutling • With a carapace length

less that 9.5cm • Have signs of it being

hooked or spared.

• Outside Closed Season

Importation of Lobsters

• Lobsters imported whole, MUST be 9.5cm or MORE.

• Permission must be sought from the DOF BEFORE importation of Lobsters.

• Not advised however, if imported lobster TAIL must be 12 oz or 340g or MORE.

How to Measure

What you need:– Caliper– Ruler

LOBSTER FISHERY OPEN

Lobster with eggs (Berried Lobster)

Lobster with soft shell (molting lobster)

DON’TCatch, Purchase

or Sell illegal lobsters

DOMeasure and

Inspect lobsters to make sure they are legal

Carapace measures less than 9 ½ cm

Carapace measures 9 ½ cm or more

Only catch, purchase, and sell lobsters

August 2nd to February 29th

Release illegal lobsters

August 2nd 2015 to February 29th 2016

Contact the Department of Fisheries at Tel. 468 – 4143/ 4147 for more information

9 cm

Have you declared?

A healthy lobster fishery depends on…making informed decisons

For wise management, WE must each play our part:

lobster fishers, cooperatives, purchasers, the DOF & law enforcement officers

THANK YOU !!! QUESTIONS?

By : Department of Fisheries