Lobster Season Opens July 1

The Belize Fisheries Department announced that the 2025-2026 Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) season will officially open on July 1, 2025, and run through February 28, 2026.

The department urges all licensed fishers and members of the public to adhere strictly to the Fisheries Resources Act and its Subsidiary Regulations, which govern the sustainable harvesting of this vital marine species.

As part of its public advisory, the Fisheries Department outlined the following key regulations for the lobster fishery:

1. Minimum carapace length must be three inches.
2. Minimum tail weight must be four ounces.
3. It is illegal to possess soft-shell (moulting) lobsters or females carrying eggs (berried lobsters).
4. Tampering with egg-bearing females—including removing eggs, spawn, or the protective setae—is strictly prohibited.
5. Filleted or diced lobster tails are not allowed in any person’s or establishment’s possession.

Anyone witnessing illegal fishing activities is strongly encouraged to report them by calling 224-4552 or emailing Fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.