Illegal to harm, take lobsters carrying eggs

The lobster season is now open, but the public is being advised that it is illegal to harm, take, have in possession, sell or purchase lobsters carrying eggs; lobsters less than nine inches in length and lobsters which are moulting.

A release from the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation said that the lobster season runs from September 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 and no one should remove eggs from a lobster, or have in his or her possession, sell or purchase lobster from which eggs have been removed.{{more}}

Anyone caught violating these regulations are liable to a fine up to $5,000.

The public is also asked to note that to avoid contamination of fish and fish products, they are to be placed at once in a protected environment at the required temperature that is consistent with the nature of the products. Therefore, fishery products such as tri tri and queen conch must be kept chilled or frozen and sold in a fish establishment or the fish market, where they are kept under the required condition, in order to prevent contamination, rapid spoilage and deterioration. Fishery products which are sold on the streets are highly susceptible to contamination, rapid spoilage and deterioration, which, if consumed, can cause food poisoning related illnesses. Hence, the general public is advised to desist from the buying and or selling of lobsters, tri tri, conch and fish on the streets.

The Fisheries Division seeks the cooperation of all persons and encourages members of the general public to report all incidences to the Division or the Public Health Department of any person or establishment found violating these regulations.