The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs advises the fishing population of Grenada that the closed season for leatherback turtles,ย lobsters, and sea urchins will begin on April 1, 2025.
As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the lobster season will be closed for the months of May,ย June, July, and August. These months, which do not contain the letter โRโ, have been designatedย as a closed season for lobster harvesting. During this period, it is crucial that no lobsters areย harvested to allow them to complete their reproductive cycle.
The closed season for Leatherback Turtles and Sea Urchins will begin on April 1 and will extendย until August 31, with the season reopening on September 1. These measures are critical toย allowing these species to reproduce and maintain healthy populations for future generations. Theย protection of these species is essential to sustaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
โThese species play an essential role in the marine food web. By ensuring that they canย reproduce and thrive, we are securing food sources for today and for generations to come,โย explained Fisheries Officer Crofton Stroud. โThese living creatures are not immortal, and weย must protect them, as they are vital to the oceanโs health and the food security of futureย generations.โ
Stroud underscored the importance of protecting migratory species, as harm to these populationsย can have a ripple effect beyond Grenadaโs borders. Countries around the world rely onย international agencies, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Speciesย (CITES), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Internationalย Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), to monitor and regulate the tradeย and harvest of these species. Grenada remains committed to working with these organisations toย ensure that we uphold international standards of conservation and respect on the global stage.
Additionally, Levera Beach will be closed from April 1 to August 31 to protect the leatherbackย turtles, which are known to nest on the beach. All prohibitive measures and penalties forย violating these regulations are in effect during this period.
Anyone found harvesting turtles or their eggs, or engaging in poaching activities, will faceย penalties.ย Offenders may be fined up to 5,000 EC dollars, imprisoned for up to two years, orย ย both, as determined by the court.
โWe urge everyone to be mindful of these regulations. These efforts help rebuild the stocks ofย turtles, lobsters, and sea urchins. By adhering to these seasonal closures, we can ensure theย survival and future of these species,โ said Fisheries Officer Tabia Paul.
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs urges the public to respect the seasonalย closures to protect Grenadaโs valuable marine life. This is a collective effort to safeguard theย future of our oceans, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the abundanceย of marine resources.
