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- Lobster harvesting season in Seychelles is open only for three months every two years
- The reason being that the quantum of lobsters being caught was worrying, the data provided by fishing ministry reveals
- The present restrictions are to regulate the catch, which can endanger the specie
- Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean and the main source of income for the people are tourism and fishing.
Lobster harvesting season in Seychelles is open only for three months every two years. The reason being that the quantum of lobsters being caught was worrying, the data provided by fishing ministry reveals. The present restrictions are to regulate the catch, which can endanger the specie.
Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean and the main source of income for the people are tourism and fishing. Officials said that based on the data collected during this year’s season, a decision will be made as to whether to re-open the season in 2022 or if it will remain close for a longer period. Only a few people are given the licenses for each season to restrict the catch. Once the license is issued a contract is signed. If there is a breach, the licensee loses US$236 deposit. The licensee also can face a fine of US$945. The official also confirmed that the government would not reduce the number of licenses this year. Main challenge being faced by the authorities is the large – scale illegal lobster fishing. It is said that the illegal fishing may be bigger than the licenses that are issued. Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) said that it would be more careful with the enforcement.
Illegal catching and killing lobsters in the Seychelles’ waters will attract a maximum penalty of SCR 10,000 (US$741). Alternatively, the licenses can be revoked. The penalty also applies to people who buy illegally fished lobsters. There are four species of lobsters commonly found in Seychelles waters, viz the long-legged spiny lobster, the pronghorn spiny lobster, the ornate spiny lobster and the painted spiny lobster. Of that, the long-legged spiny lobster and the pronghorn spiny lobster are the most-caught ones.
