Put it back inna di wata!

THE NATIONAL Fisheries Authority (NFA) is leaning heavily on the Jamaican parlance this year to drive home its messages to fisherfolk who catch lobsters during the annual close season, which runs from April 1 to June 30. The NFA is particulary concerned about juvenile lobsters or those with eggs. It has launched a series of posters advising fishers who catch any of them during this period to ‘Put It Back Inna Di Wata’.

Each year, the NFA reminds fishers that it is illegal to land berried (pregnant) Caribbean spiny lobsters ( Panulirus argus) at any time of the year, so called because of the many eggs on their underbelly which bear a strong resemblance to clusters of berries.

In regard to the juvenile crustacean, the Fisheries Act of 2018 makes it illegal to harvest lobsters at any time of the year “with a carapace length of less than three inches”. This measurement runs from the eyes to the back, excluding the tail, and lobsters caught should be released into the open sea, in a manner to ensure that little or no harm is done to them.

Public Relations Manager at the NFA, Abi-Gaye Smythe, said that over the years some offenders have claimed ignorance of the law, citing the aforementioned wording, as well as the reference to the ‘berried’ lobsters. However, given the increase in fines from, $1,000 to $3 million for breaches, the National Fisheries Authority has seen it fit to help the public better understand the relevant laws.

“Our aim is to put out messages in language that the public can easily understand, especially our fishers,” she explained. As it continues to stringently monitor the lobster fisheries throughout the 2024 close season, Smythe warned that given the many warnings, delinquent lobster fishes are likely to face the full extent of the law.

Mature Caribbean spiny lobster can reach up to 18 inches in length and up to 15 pounds in weight. They spawn from March through August in the Florida Keys on offshore reefs and throughout the year in the Caribbean.