Closed Seasons
Closed seasons are periods within which no fishing, hunting or capture of a specified animal is allowed by law. These periods coincide with the peak breeding seasons of the species, and are so instituted to allow the animals to mature and revive its population.
Currently, two marine species have closed seasons in Jamaica, namely the:
- Queen Conch and
- Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Conch
 Closed Season:
This is generally between August 1 and December 31. The closed season will be gazetted each year.
Law:
It is against the law for conch to be landed or purchased during the closed season.
Penalty:
Six months in prison.
Fact:
Conch is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Jamaica is a signatory.
Lobster
Closed Season:
April 1 – June 30 each year
Law:
It is against the law to catch, buy or sell lobsters during the Lobster Close Season. It is also against the law to catch berried lobsters (with eggs) or undersized lobsters (under 3.5 inches in carapace length) throughout the year.
 Penalty:
Six months in prison.
Fact:
Possession of lobsters without declaration is strictly prohibited. Call the Fisheries Division and declare the amount you have in stock.
Support:
Tell others about the close season. Patronize only restaurants that refrain from serving conch during its closed season.
Report breaches to:
- Fisheries Division, 923-8811-3
- National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) or the
- Nearest police station.
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