Spiny Lobster Fishing Ban to Come into Effect 1 March - 27 February, 2013
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - In order to protect the species during its period of reproduction, the Dominican Republic has announced a ban on spiny lobster fishing from the 1 March to 30 June 2013.
The executive director of the Dominican Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CODOPESCA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Francisco Frias, issued a notice notifing all involved in fishing and marketing, that during this period the capture, processing, possession of meat or mass marketing of any spiny lobster species is prohibited.
He reports that the ban was certified by the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA), under Regulation OSP-02-09, for the regional management of the fishery of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus).
Mr Frias warns every fisherman and / or owner of fishing boats to store all fishing gear used to catch lobster, including lobster traps and seines, out of the water.
A failure to comply with the ban will lead to a fine or imprisonment.