Seasonal· Guna Yala (comarca-wide)· Other Caribbean

Guna Lobster, Crab & Shellfish Closures

9° 34.2′ N · 78° 49.2′ W · approximate

During the spring breeding season the Guna close commercial fishing for lobster, crab and fish sales, and cruisers are asked not to buy them; outside it, fishermen bring spiny lobster and crab to the boats almost daily.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Coordinate approximate: comarca-wide (Wikipedia San Blas centre point). Noonsite's 2012 cruiser report: a ban on commercial fishing for April and May, with cruisers asked not to purchase fish, crabs or lobsters from locals during this breeding season (though some still did). The San Blas cruiser net regularly reminds boats not to buy out-of-season shellfish and to respect the local turtle fishing ban (Spirit of Argo 2016). Exact closure dates are set by the Guna and can change; ask the Congreso at Porvenir or on the VHF 72 net. In season, 2016 prices: medium fish about $3, medium/large lobster about $5 (verify locally).

Best for

Knowing when not to buy lobster

Season

Spring breeding closure (April–May reported 2012); confirm locally each year

Nearby