Important Fisheries Guidelines for Kwèyòl

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development reminds vendors and patrons of Jounèn Kwèyòl and Kwèyòl month activities of important guidelines in accordance with the Fisheries Act Cap 7.15 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.  Everyone is urged to be mindful of the regulations and season for these frequently favored seafoods:

• Crayfish(Kwebish) Fishery – CLOSED
• Sea Egg (Chadon) Fishery – CLOSED
• Lobster (Horma) Fishery – OPEN (August 2, 2024 – February 28, 2025)
• Sea Turtle (Toti, Cawette) Fishery – OPEN (October 1 – December 31, 2024)

Crayfish Fishery Remains CLOSED

The crayfish resource continues to be threatened by the illegal use of poisonous substances as a common means of harvesting.   As such, an extended close season (moratorium) on the harvest and sale of wild caught river crayfish remains in effect. 

It is therefore illegal to remove from the rivers of Saint Lucia, expose for sale, sell, purchase, or at any time have in your possession freshwater shrimp or crayfish. Persons are encouraged to purchase farmed prawns from aquaculture farmers.   Farmed prawns when alive can be generally distinguished by their large blue pincers (gandi) which are not present in the wild-caught prawns.  

Sea Egg (Chadon) Fishery Remains CLOSED

Recent assessments of the sea egg population indicated very low numbers that may be attributed to the illegal harvesting of sea eggs during the closed season, reduced juvenile numbers and environmental factors.

As a result the sea egg fishery remains closed until further advised by the Department of Fisheries.

Lobster (Horma) Fishery OPEN: August 2, 2024 – February 28, 2025

When purchasing and selling lobsters during the open period, each lobster must meet the following requirements:

1. Lobsters must have a carapace length of 9.5cm or more
2. Lobsters must NOT be carrying eggs (berried)
3. Lobsters must show no evidence the eggs were removed;
4. Lobsters should NOT be speared or hooked
5. Lobsters should NOT have a soft shell (moulting)

Sea Turtles (Toti, Cawette) Fishery OPEN: October 1 – December 31, 2024

Fishers should ensure that turtles caught are within the following weight limits:

1. Hawksbill turtles must weigh 60lbs or more
2. Loggerhead and green turtles must weigh 75lbs or more

The law prohibits the capture and harvesting of leatherback turtles.  Nesting turtles and their eggs are also protected.

The Department of Fisheries will continue to monitor activities island-wide to ensure all conditions are adhered to and for the fisheries resources to remain healthy.  Bon fete kweyol !