Lobster Season reopens: Belize Fisheries Department predicts a profitable lobster season

Regulated by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD)-under the Fisheries Act of Belize, the consumption and harvesting of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Argus) is only permitted from June 15 to February 14. After a four month spawning period, the lobster season reopened on Thursday, June 15th, and the BFD is making a positive prediction for a profitable lobster season.
According to Ramon Carcamo, BFD Officer of the Capture Fisheries Unit, the Spiny Lobster fishery has been stable for the past five years, and remains one of the top marine exports for Belize. “There has been an increase in production, and it is projected that the season will be profitable, with a total of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of tails produced for 2017-2018. The quota should be more than sufficient to provide for lobster festivals and supply for the tourism sector,” said Carcamo. Although Hurricane Earl slightly impacted the lobster season in 2016, BFD has never recorded a downward trend. Carcamo said he predicts that this year’s season will yield $15 million dollars.
Having an abundance of lobster means more chances to discover unique culinary delicacies that feature the tasty crustacean. The season’s opening is highly celebrated on Ambergris Caye via the annual San Pedro Lobster Fest Extravaganza. The ten day event commences on Thursday, June 15th and ends with a grand block party on Saturday, June 24th. Residents and visitors are able to indulge in their favorite lobster-themed dishes, from ‘Surf and Turf’, to pizza, to ceviche, dip, kebobs, and even cheesecake, you’ll experience lobster in different ways.
During Lobster Fest, the Lobster Crawl will see various day and night time activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Participants are encouraged to ‘crawl’ and get their Lobster Fest Passport stamped at all participating establishments for the chance to win a vacation package for two to attend the San Pedro Lobster Festival 2018. The vacation package includes complimentary local airfare, hotel stays, tours, a golf cart rental, bar tabs, dinners, massages and much more!
The following is the official schedule of events for Lobster Fest 2017:
Thursday, June 15th- El Divino Restaurant at Banana Beach Resort at 3PM
Friday, June 16th- Wahoo’s Lounge (day)/Pirate’s Treasure Rest & Bar (night)
Saturday, June 17th- Amber Beach Bar Fishing Tournament (day)/Estel’s Restaurant (night)
Sunday, June 18th- Pirate’s Not-So-Secret Beach (day)/The Dive Bar (night)
Monday, June 19th- Mesa Café (day)/Crazy Canucks (night)
Tuesday, June 20th- Seas’ d Day (day)/Pineapple’s Restaurant (night)
Wednesday, June 21st- Chocolate Boutique Co. (day)/Pedro’s Inn (night)
Thursday, June 22nd- 12 Belize (day)/Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace (night)
Friday, June 23rd- Palapa Bar (day)/Truck Stop (night)
Saturday, June 24th- Block Party at Central Park at 5PM
This is one event that you don’t want to miss, so make sure to mark your calendars! If you have any questions regarding Lobster Fest, please contact Rebecca Arceo at 610-1697 or email her at [email protected]