Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Lobster Season In Jamaica
When Can I Eat Lobster In Jamaica?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large

Lobster Season In Jamaica | Photo Credit: Terence Gingery (Flickr.com)

Lobster Season In Jamaica | by Sheree-Anita Shearer, Associate Writer

When planning a vacation to a country surrounded by water, such as Jamaica, there are some expectations you will have. For one, delicious seafood options are a given. And you would be very correct.

Jamaica has many spots across the island known for serving up delicious seafood on a daily basis. If you’ve ever been to Hellshire, Little Ochi or Border, then you know what I’m talking about.

Watch Video! | Border, Fish Capital Of Jamaica

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.

And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

But there are some periods throughout the year where some seafood is unavailable. This is because it is their breeding season and it is illegal to catch them during these times.

You might be wondering why this is so? Well, it is simply to give the animals time to grow. This way, the animals aren’t caught before they are mature and we won’t risk them becoming an endangered species because they are not able to reproduce fast enough to keep up with the demand.

If you were looking forward to curried lobster on your vacation then the lobster season in Jamaica is very important information for you.

Are there lobsters in Jamaica?

Luckily for you, yes there are. Panulirus argus, Panulirus guttatus, Justitia longimanus, Palinurellus gundlachi, Scyllarides aequinoctialis and Parribacus antarcticus are the six species in our waters.

The Panilirus Argus, more commonly known as the Caribbean Spiny lobster is the one eaten in Jamaica and can be found in various areas across the island. These lobsters can be found throughout the Caribbean as well as in North and South America.

Is there a lobster season in Jamaica?

For lobster lovers, the period between April 1st and June 30th might not be the best time to visit Jamaica as the lobster season in Jamaica is closed during that time. This period is the mating season for the creatures and so they are given the time to reproduce and mature before the season reopens in July.

Persons who have frozen lobster or lobster parts on March 31st are allowed to use it up to the 21st of April as long as it has been declared to the relevant authorities and the necessary checks are made.

The Ministry of fisheries will send a representative to check that the quantity you have declared is actually there and it is being stored in accordance with health regulations.

However, after the 21st of April, it is illegal to have lobster or lobster parts in your possession. It is also illegal to have live lobsters in any contained area during the off-season.

Lobsters unintentionally caught during the off-season in a fishing net or other fishing gear, should be returned to the sea immediately. Whether the lobster is fresh, frozen or otherwise, those found in breach will be liable for prosecution.

This is enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

What do Spiny lobsters look like?

Spiny lobsters have forward-pointing spines covering their bodies to protect them from predators. The long antenna-like structures above their eyes are also used to scare predators away. The smaller antennas (antennules), sense movement and chemicals in the water. They may vary in colour from off-white to a deep red-orange.

Is spiny lobster good to eat?

Lobster Season In Jamaica

It definitely is. Spiny Lobsters are had here jerked, grilled, curried, or in salads and soups.

What is the difference between spiny lobster and lobster?

The claws of a Spiny lobster are smaller in comparison to other lobsters. So while other lobsters have flesh in their claws the spiny lobster does not.

How long does it take for Spiny Lobsters to mature?

For spiny lobsters to reach maturity and the acceptable harvesting size of three inches, it takes them up to two years. They weigh as much as 15 pounds.

The most delicious lobster dishes can be had all but 3 months out of the year. So if you visit during the lobster season don’t hesitate to dig in. But if not, don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find another seafood dish you like, we have plenty!

References & Sources For Lobster Season In Jamaica

Spiny Lobster, http://www.jamaicachm.org.jm/Article/PDF/html/May2005.asp
Annual Lobster Season In Jamaica - Closed Season, April 1 – June 30, https://jis.gov.jm/annual-lobster-closed-season-april-1-june-30/
Lobster Season in Jamaica, https://rove.me/to/jamaica/lobster-season

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

Back To The Top Of This Page

instagram youtube twitter facebook custom pinterest

SHOP JAMAICAN

Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation

Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica?

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

New Here?

I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!

New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.

Please subscribe here to get my latest updates.

About The Author

A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.

To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)

His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.

He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.

If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:

You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.

Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?

Do a quick site search here:

Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

Lobster Season In Jamaica
When Can I Eat Lobster In Jamaica?