Lobster Season is Here!
Lobster Season officially opened on Monday, June 15, with fishermen heading out as early as possible to catch the most lobster on the first day. But the rainy day definitely posed a problem for the fishermen, making the waters murky and decreasing visibility, and making the lobsters run away for shelter.
We checked at the fishing co-operative and the official count was very low - only 192lbs was recorded at the end of the first day of the season, (compared to 1,388lbs caught last year). At only $14 per pound for lobster tails at the co-operative, fishermen are looking elsewhere to get top dollar for the prized lobster tails. Some resorts are shelling out about $25 per pound of lobster tail.
Mr. George Kumul, manager of the Caribe�a Co-operative also mentioned that not only is the San Pedro Co-op reporting low stats on lobster, but the Placencia Co-op was also doing bad as the co-operatives were given orders to lower the buying price from $16 to $14 per pound.
But the low numbers at the fishing co-operatives do not seem to indicate a low lobster catch this early in the season. Fishermen are reporting large numbers, but they are opting to sell their catch directly to resorts, restaurants and private homes. So tourists and locals will still be able to enjoy a variety of delicious lobster dishes cooked in all restaurants, or at home, instead of only the select few restaurants which are provided with licenses to serve lobster throughout the year.
And remember to attend the Lobster Fest Block Party on Saturday, June 20th starting at 5:00 p.m. and a Beach Party Lobster BBQ at the Catamaran Beach Bar at Caribbean Villas Resort.
Ambergris Today