Crawfish Season Opens August 1st

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster, commonly known to Bahamians as crawfish, is the largest fishery, and an important contributor to the economy. It provides many fishers, seafood vendors, processors and exporters with income, and is a popular delicacy for Bahamians and visitors alike.

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1. The legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5½ inches.

2. Those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession.

3. Possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach, or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; and

4. A permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing.

The public is also reminded about the most recent fisheries fees amendments to the Fisheries (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Regulations that came into effect on the 1st July 2023. Some of the more notable changes for fishers include the following:

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1. Permit to trap crawfish – $50.00.

2. Permit to use a compressor – $30.00.

3. Commercial Fishing License:

i. 15 ft. up to 39 ft. – $100.00

ii. 39½ ft. up to 78½ ft. – $200.00

iii. 79 ft. and above – $250.00

Fishers are also reminded of the following:

1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing be licensed by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of the department’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licensed by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business License.

2. Fishers are also reminded they can apply online via The Bahamas Government’s MyGateway platform and pay utilizing a Credit or Debit Card for any of the services required inclusive of crawfish trapping permits (new or renewal), permit to use a compressor (new or renewal), commercial fishing license (new or renewal), etc.;

3. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licensed Bahamian commercial fishing vessel; and

4. The catching, selling or purchasing of undersize or berried crawfish is illegal.

The Department of Marine Resources reminds the public that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises.

The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources.

Sources: Department of Marine Resources & BREEF