The 2015- 2016 lobster Belize season is slowly coming to a close.

The season opened on June 1, 2015 and lasted 8 1/2 months. It will close February 14, 2016.

Fisheries and government officials place a moratorium on lobster fishing for 3 1/2 months to allow the species to spawn and replenish.

During the closed season, possession or consumption of lobsters is illegal. The fines increase if your illegal lobster is undersized.

We respectfully request that all citizens refrain from harvesting lobsters during the closed season. It is the only way we can be assured of having lobsters to harvest for generations to come.

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The Lobster Season closes in Belize, on Monday, February 15, 2016 and reopens on Tuesday June 14, 2016. This time is given annually to allow the lobster populations to breed.

During this period, it is illegal to fish, posses, buy or sell any lobster and lobster products. As a result lobster dishes will not be available, on any restaurant menus between these dates.

On Valentines Day ( February 14) , indulge your loved one with a special Lobster Dinner because it will be a few months until the season reopens and the tantalizing LOBSTER FESTS commence. These open air, beach festivals are the highlights of the opening of the Lobster Season in June.

Held in Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker every year, the Lobster Fest offers a wide selection of outdoor food booths with the delicacy, prepared fresh in every way possible from grilled to ceviches, to curries and even in cocktails.

Be sure not to miss this three day event on your next visit to Belize.!!

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CLOSURE OF THE LOBSTER FISHING SEASON

The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform fishers and the general public that the lobster fishing season will close on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2016. Any person found in possession of lobster during the said closed season will be prosecuted in accordance to Fisheries Regulation 3 (1) (b) of the Fisheries Regulations, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize (2003).

The Fisheries Department also reminds fishers that lobster traps should be removed from the fishing grounds during the closed fishing season. During the month of March 2016, Fisheries Officials will be visiting fishing camps and coastal fishing community to take stock of lobster traps owned by individual fishers in order to facilitate the registration of such lobster traps. The Conservation and Compliance Unit of the Fisheries Department will confiscate and destroy all lobster traps found deployed in the waters of Belize after February 15th, 2016.

The Fisheries Department hereby makes a special appeal to fishers and the public, to uphold the Fisheries Regulations in regards to lobster and other marine products, and urges all responsible citizens to call the Department at 224-4552 or 203-2623 to report any infractions. The Department can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. The public is assured that all information communicated to the Fisheries Department will be treated with the highest confidentiality.

Thank you for your attention and continued cooperation.