Dear Seafood Lovers and Stakeholders:
The closed season for the Caribbean spiny lobster is fast approaching – MAY 1st to JUNE 30th.
Note Antigua and Barbuda has the SHORTEST closed season in the Caribbean and Latin America, contrary to the minimum FOUR-MONTH closed season recommended by the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC 16/2016/2).
(The OECS Model Harmonized Fisheries Legislation, and the St. George’s Declaration on Spiny Lobster adopted by the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (15 May 2015).)
Given that we only have TWO MONTHS, please refrain from EATING, HARVESTING, BUYING, or TRADING during these months since the closed season represents the peak of the spawning period.
Note it is illegal for a person to fish for, take, place for sale, purchase or have in POSSESSION any Caribbean spiny lobster during the closed season.
Hence, hoteliers, street vendors and restaurateurs should have already started to rid their inventory of Caribbean spiny lobster.
To report violations, the Fisheries Division can be reached at 462-1372 or 462-6106 or email fisheriesantigua@gmail.com or Ian.Horsford@ab.gov.ag. The ABDF Coast Guard can also be reached at 462-3206 or 462-2841.
All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence. Any one contravening the closed season commits an offence under the Fisheries Regulations 2013 and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Respectfully,
Ian Horsford
Chief Fisheries Officer
safety steps 
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