Gov’t Introduces Modern Lobster Declaration System for Fishers

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has underscored a major advancement in the management of Jamaica’s spiny lobster industry with the introduction of a modernised declaration system.

The key change is outlined in the Fisheries (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2026, which was promulgated in March ahead of the annual lobster closed season. The closure runs from April 1 to June 30 each year.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 14), Minister Green explained that the central feature of the framework is the requirement for lobster fishers to declare their holdings at the start of the closed season.

He emphasised that these declarations must be submitted to the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) within the first seven days of the closure.

“The declaration must include details such as the name, telephone number, address, quantity of lobster being held, the form in which it is stored… whether whole, tails or otherwise… and the location that it is being kept,” he told the House.

Mr. Green noted that the NFA has received 177 declarations during the current closed season from individuals, including artisanal fishers and businesses, all of which have been recorded and verified through the declaration process.

“The level of compliance signals that stakeholders are engaging with the regulatory framework and strengthens our ability to effectively monitor and account for lobster in circulation,” he further stated.

The regulations also govern the transport of lobster during the closed season. Licensed traders are required to notify the NFA and provide details, including the source’s name and address, date of acquisition, quantity and form of the lobster, as well as the storage location.

“That approach, again, ensures that all significant transactions taking place during the closed season are properly recorded and can be verified,” Mr. Green outlined.

The Regulations, 2026, also establishes a structured process for export during the closed season.

Individuals must apply to the NFA for authorisation and submit details of the intended export.

This measure ensures that exports are based exclusively on declared and verified stock.

Additionally, Minister Green announced that under the new regime, restaurants, hotels, and storage facilities will be required to maintain detailed transaction records of their lobster sales for at least three years.

“These requirements support a system where lobster moving through the market during the closed season can be properly tracked, verified, and inspected. Also, the regulations strengthen enforcement and allow the inspectors to seize lobster found during the closed season that has not been properly declared or notified,” the Minister explained.

The Fisheries (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2026, replaces the 2009 framework, which allowed only 21 days from the start of the closed season for fishers to sell stock harvested during the open season.

Lobster remaining beyond the 21-day period could be seized, and fishers found in breach were subject to fines or imprisonment.