Public warned of penalties as lobster season closes
(CNS): Lobster fans have only one day left in which to take the tasty local treat from the ocean. Continuing in its efforts to try and protect the islands’ dwindling natural resources, the Department of Environment (DoE) is reminding the public that the closed season for lobsters begins on Tuesday 1 March and runs through 30 November. No one may take lobster from Cayman waters, purchase, receive or possess lobsters that have bee taken from local waters during these months. Violation of this or any of the Marine Conservation Laws is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of CI$500,000 fine and one year in jail. Once a person is convicted boats and other equipment may also be seized.
In recent years in and around the region the spiny lobster numbers have been in decline as the species has been over exploited. With reefs also under threat, which are believed to be essential to the survival of the Caribbean lobster, the preservation of reefs as well as fishing seasons and limits are seen as crucial by scientists to the survival and possible increase in future lobster populations
Anyone wanting more information about the marine conservation laws can contact the DoE at 916 4271 (Grand Cayman), 926 0136 (Cayman Brac), or 926 2342 (Little Cayman).To report violations of any marine conservation legislation the public can call 911. For more information please visit www.doe.ky
Category: Science and Nature
I believe that Caymanians, but not ex-pats, should be able to take lobsters from our waters all year-round. We used to do so when I was little so what’s the issue now??? This is scary that we let environmentalists dictate what we can do!
You Caymanians practically wiped them out to sell to restaurant, not us foreigners. All we did was eat them, not knowing any better since they were there on the menu..
Its yo lobstas so take um all ya? Why leave any fo yo kids?Its even scarier watching fool fools dictate what you can and will do! But now that is the Cayman way of doing things.
I can not believe what you say here. Do you not mentally grasp that numbers will deplete and at the end there will be very little to take?????????
The times have changed and we need to look after our planet and all the creatures given by the creator. This also why there is a ban on fishing groupers in the water!
FYI: I am a ex-pat and a avid diver and will support environmental laws till the end!
I’ve been reading your comments for a while now and honestly believe you are just writing things intending to rile people up. If that is the case please stop. It is disgusting to add fuel to afire that many of us are trying to put out. We don’t need more divisions. We need more togetherness.
i can give you a hundred examples of situations in which there have been no limiting factors
as to limits and seasons of taking species-for example lobster or what ever. the end result is always the same: destruction of that species. i can also give you hundreds of examples of programs (restrictions) that have resurrected the species back from possible extinction. my friends-look at the long term consequences of not having some protections for these animals. it does not mean you will not be able to farm these species-just the amount. so, the choice is yours. you can take all you want now for a limited amount of years or enjoy having the fruits of the animals forever. again, let's think in terms of forever, not just for a number of years. mike the diver.
you know i always wonder if this law is in so much effect, please tell me where does all the LOBSTER come from when it is PIRATES WEEK Heritage days???
ok now thats str8 OUTLAWS huh, i have seen guys bring in 2000 Lobsters b4, and yes for Heritage days a whole entire month B4 the season is even open and you POLICE go out there and play blind like oh well its HERITAGE.
WoW feeding it str8 to the mouth huh. well i guess the law dont work
Legalize spare fishing for CAYMANIANS ONLY and let us know the rules and be there out in full force to ensure we abide by them.
CAYMANIANS ONLY is the reason there are so few LOBSTERS, TURTLES, AND GROUPER left living in Cayman waters. And why someday soon future CAYMANIANS will have to export them.
Import them.
Apparently the capitalisation is important.
Apparently.
Honduras.
There will always be those that will ignore the law to protect the marine life and the DoE must be in position to enforce these laws.
Unfortunately there are those who make their living by poaching and they need to be identified and caught when breaking the law.
Laws , rules, and bans do little good if enough of the population don’t think it applies to them and there is not enough education and or enforcement to make difference. See many turtles around Cayman? Telling people what to do is not as effective if they don’t know why they have to do it.
Maybe its time to put a ban for 3 years on Lobsters as with the increased population they are being heavily hunted.Nothing lasts forever as we are finding out with many species today and I hope that the Marine Conservation board will consider an even shorter season or better still a long ban to give them a chance to rebound properly.
First you need laws to protect these creatures and secondly officers need the powers to deal with it. PASS THE CONSERVATION LAW NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is really needed is a ban on those individuals who don’t belive any laws apply to them.
Ban the poachers!
Ban the crooks.
Ban the Civil service!
Ban the Bush!