By Belize Live News Staff: Good news for fishers and seafood lovers alike. The Belize Fisheries Department has announced that the Caribbean spiny lobster fishing season is set to open on July 1, 2026.
In a public notice, the Department, which falls under the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, confirmed that the season for the Caribbean spiny lobster, known scientifically as Panulirus argus, will run from July 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. The opening is made in accordance with the Fisheries Resource Act and its Subsidiary Regulations.
For Belize, the lobster season is always a welcome time, supporting the livelihoods of fishers and putting one of the country’s most prized catches back on the menu at homes, restaurants, and resorts.
To protect the fishery for the future, however, the Department is reminding fishers and the public to follow the established regulations. The minimum carapace length is three inches, and the minimum tail weight is four ounces. It is illegal to have in possession any soft-shell, or moulting, lobster, or any female lobster carrying eggs, known as a berried lobster. It is also illegal to remove eggs or spawn from a female lobster, and no person or establishment should be in possession of filleted or diced lobster tail.
These rules are designed to ensure that lobster stocks remain healthy and that the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Fisheries Department is also encouraging the public to play its part by reporting any illegal fisheries activity. Reports can be made by calling 224-4552 or by emailing Fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
