Jamaica enforces new spiny lobster rules covering declaration, storage and trade controls

The National Fisheries Authority has begun enforcing new spiny lobster regulations for the 2026 close season, introducing declaration, storage and monitoring requirements while allowing consumption and trade of legally harvested stock.

The Fisheries (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2026 for the close season running from April 1 to June 30, 2026, were gazetted on March 23, replacing the Fishing Industry (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2009.

The framework introduces updated procedures for declaring possession and storage of spiny lobster during the close season and is intended to strengthen compliance, traceability and sustainability within the sector.

“Lobster is a product enjoyed by many Jamaicans; however, if the stock is not sustainably managed, there is the potential of there being no lobsters to enjoy in future. As such, we want to make it clear that fishing/harvesting lobster is strictly prohibited within the close season,” said Dr Zahra Oliphant, Principal Director of the Fisheries Compliance Licensing and Statistics Division. “The allowance for consumption and trade applies only to what was legally fished in the open season and for which the person submitted a declaration or notification.”

She added:“By strengthening accountability through declarations, record-keeping, and designated storage facilities, we are ensuring that Jamaica’s spiny lobster industry remains sustainable, competitive, and compliant with best practices,”

The measures follow an earlier announcement by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, during his sectoral presentation last year, permitting spiny lobster lawfully harvested in the open season to be sold and consumed during the closed period.

Under the regulations, persons in possession of spiny lobster prior to the start of the close season must submit written or electronic declarations to the NFA by April 8.

The NFA will publish the names of declarants in the Jamaica Gazette Supplement.

Any person who comes into possession of more than 15 kilograms of spiny lobster during the close season through trade must notify the authority within seven days, including details of source, quantity and storage location.

Individuals seeking to export spiny lobster during the close season must apply for authorisation, providing details of quantity, description and storage location.

Operators of prescribed premises, including eating establishments, hotels, authorised storage facilities and commercial cold storage, must maintain detailed records of all spiny lobster transactions for three years.

Records must include dates of purchase, sale, export and processing, copies of sales receipts, quantities, descriptions and, where applicable, fisher licence numbers.

The regulations prohibit the capture, possession, harming, destruction, landing, sale or purchase of berried (egg-bearing) or undersized spiny lobster.

Undersized lobster is defined by specific measurements for carapace, tail and telson. Offenders face fines of up to three million dollars or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

Fishery inspectors are empowered to seize spiny lobster found during the close season that was not declared or notified to the Authority. Seized lobster will be placed in authorised storage facilities.

Oliphant said the NFA may designate facilities across the island for storage of seized lobster.

“These facilities are subject to strict terms and conditions, including a prohibition on releasing stored lobster without prior authorisation,” she said. “Access to stored spiny lobster is restricted to fishery inspectors and limited to emergency circumstances.”

The NFA has launched a public education campaign to support compliance, including community meetings, media appearances, printed guides and social media outreach.

“We recognise that these regulations represent a significant shift in how spiny lobster is managed,” Oliphant said. “Our goal is to work alongside fishers, middlemen, restaurant owners, exporters and the public to ensure that everyone has the information and tools they need to comply. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and any member of the public is invited to contact our Compliance branch to find out if your favourite restaurant with lobster on the menu, has permission to do so.”

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