constructed by fisherman. Photo credit: Olivia Patterson, Friends of the Environment.
As the sun rises over an azure sea, fishermen rise from their beds to start their engines and set out on the water in search for the prickly, yet charismatic “crawfish”. As the fisherman jumps overboard heading to the reef or condo where the crawfish is waiting for him, a rush of relief from the summer heat greets him. The fisherman gauges the length of the crawfish tail, ensuring that it is greater than the legal minimum of 5.5 inches. The crawfish is then hooked and brought up to the boat. The tails are cleaned and sold to “buyers” who represent major seafood distributors throughout The Bahamas. The tails are then packaged for resale and shipped to destinations all across the world, including major restaurants and food stores.
Here in The Bahamas, we take pride in our spiny lobsters. Locally known as crawfish, they are enjoyed as a food source and contribute to our largest fishery (and largest fishery export), and also create an attraction to visitors. The Government has set forth regulations to help ensure that the population remains sustainable. Each year, the open season runs from August 1 to March 31; this is the only time you are allowed to catch spiny lobsters in The Bahamas. Additionally, the lobsters must have a minimum tail length of 5.5 inches or carapace length of 3.25 inches. Egg-bearing females cannot be caught, and eggs must not be removed.
You can help us achieve our goal to maintain a healthy and sustainable population of spiny lobster by following the rules set out by the Government and encouraging others to do the same.
Bahamians are allowed to use air compressors while catching crawfish (and no other fishery resource) between 30 and 60 foot depths only. SCUBA is not allowed. If using spears you must be 200 yards offshore in the Family Islands (i.e. Abaco).
Visitors (non-Bahamians) are allowed a maximum of 10 crawfish per vessel. If you would like to use spears (or any gear other than fishing line or rod and reel) you must specify that on your fishing permit application form. Air compressors/ hoookahs or SCUBA are not allowed for fishing by visitors. Here’s to a safe crawfishing season!
Visit www.friendsoftheenvironment.org for more information or please contact us if you have questions.