Government of Jamaica
Source: NFA
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) today announced the immediate enforcement of The Fisheries (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2026, a comprehensive set of measures designed to protect spiny lobster stocks, improve traceability, strengthen compliance throughout the fishing industry and allow consumption during the close season which runs from April 1-June 30, 2026.
The new regulations, gazetted on March 23, 2026, replace the Fishing Industry (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2009 and introduce updated procedures for declaring the possession and storage of spiny lobster during the close season. The updated framework reflects the Government’s commitment to balancing industry livelihoods with sustainable fisheries conservation.
“Lobster is a product enjoyed by many Jamaicans; however, if the stock is not sustainably managed, there is the potential of there being no lobsters to enjoy in future. As such, we want to make it clear that fishing/harvesting lobster is strictly prohibited within the close season. The allowance for consumption and trade applies only to what was legally fished in the open season and for which the person submitted a declaration or notification,” said Zahra Oliphant, PhD., Principal Director of the Fisheries Compliance Licensing and Statistics Division at the National Fisheries Authority.
“By strengthening accountability through declarations, record-keeping, and designated storage facilities, we are ensuring that Jamaica’s spiny lobster industry remains sustainable, competitive, and compliant with best practices.”
Zahra Oliphant, PhD., Principal Director of the Fisheries Compliance Licensing and Statistics Division at the National Fisheries Authority
The measures take effect following the announcement by Honourable Floyd Green, MP, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, during his sectoral presentation last year, permitting spiny lobster that was lawfully harvested and properly declared during the open season to be sold and consumed during the closed period.
Key provisions of the new regulations
The Fisheries (Spiny Lobster) Regulations, 2026 introduce several critical changes. Firstly, persons who lawfully possess spiny lobster prior to the start of the close season must submit a written or electronic declaration to the NFA by April 8th. Written declarations may be submitted to the NFA’s head office at 2C Newport East, Kingston, or at any of the NFA’s sub-offices. Electronic declarations may also be submitted via email to compliance@nfa.gov.jm with a copy sent to ceo@nfa.gov.jm. The declaration must detail the name, address and telephone number of the person making the declaration, the quantity of spiny lobster, description of spiny lobster, and storage location of the lobster in their possession. The NFA will publish the names of declarants in the Jamaica Gazette Supplement to ensure transparency.
Secondly, any person who comes into possession of more than 15 kilograms of spiny lobster during the close season as a result of trade must notify the NFA within seven days, providing details of the source, quantity of the spiny lobster and the storage location.
Thirdly, individuals and entities who desire to export spiny lobster during the close season, must apply to the Authority for authorization to export, providing details of the name, address, and telephone number of the person who intends to export the spiny lobster, quantity, description, and storage location of the lobster pending export.
Fourthly, operators of prescribed premises, including eating establishments, hotels, authorised storage facilities, and commercial cold storage, must maintain detailed records of all spiny lobster transactions for a period of three years. Records must include dates of purchase, sale, export, and processing, a copy of the sales receipt, as well as quantities, descriptions, and, where applicable, the licence number of the fisher from whom the lobster was obtained.
The NFA also emphasised that the regulations prohibit the capture, possession, harming, destruction, landing, sale, or purchase of berried (egg-bearing) or undersized spiny lobster. Undersized lobster is defined according to detailed carapace, tail, and telson measurements. For the carapace, the minimum length (head) should be 7.62cm, tail length for females 18.16cm and for males, 17.78cm, and the telson is 4.08cm for males, and 4.46cm for females. Offenders face fines of up to three million dollars or imprisonment not exceeding two years.
The National Fisheries Authority indicated that fishery inspectors are empowered to seize any spiny lobster found during the close season that was not declared, or the Authority was not notified of. Seized lobster will be deposited in an authorised storage facility. Dr. Oliphant explained that NFA may designate facilities across the island to serve as authorised storage facilities for spiny lobster seized during the close season.
“These facilities are subject to strict terms and conditions, including a prohibition on releasing stored lobster without prior authorisation,” Oliphant noted. She further expressed that, “Access to stored spiny lobster is restricted to fishery inspectors and limited to emergency circumstances.”
Support for Industry Compliance
The NFA has launched a public education campaign to assist stakeholders in understanding and complying with the new requirements. The campaign includes fishers’ community meetings, newspaper notices, radio and TV interviews, printed guides, and social media publicity.
“We recognise that these regulations represent a significant shift in how spiny lobster is managed,” said Oliphant. “Our goal is to work alongside fishers, middlemen, restaurant owners, exporters and the public to ensure that everyone has the information and tools they need to comply. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and any member of the public is invited to contact our Compliance branch to find out if your favourite restaurant with lobster on the menu, has permission to do so.”