Fisheries inspector Treverton Bryan stated on Tuesday that the National Fisheries Authority will not tolerate any violations of the Caribbean spiny lobster close season.

This comes after Montego Bay businessman Milton Russell was hauled before the St James Parish Court.

Russell appeared before presiding parish judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley on Tuesday for possessing lobster during the close season without authorisation or permission from the National Fisheries Authority.

According to court documents, on June 7, marine police and fisheries inspectors went to Russell’s restaurant in White House in the parish to inspect for lobster. Approximately 73.58 pounds of old frozen lobsters were discovered. Russell was asked to produce a declaration for the lobsters, which he failed to do. He was later charged.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Russell’s attorney, Charles Sinclair, informed the court that a statement was still outstanding and requested a short mention date.

Smith-Ashley subsequently scheduled the case for mention on July 11, and Russell was bound over.

Inspector Bryan told OBSERVER ONLINE that the National Fisheries Authority remains resolute and will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to breach of the close season for Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus Argus).

“We hope that people will follow the rules and procedures when it comes to the close season for lobster and other species of fish,” Bryan said.

The closed season for lobster fishing in Jamaica runs from April 1 to June 30 each year. Lobster fishing is prohibited during the closed season, and it is illegal to keep live lobsters in any holding device. Lobsters caught unintentionally in fishing gear must be released immediately. Offenders can be fined up to $3 million or imprisoned for up to two years.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries states that a signed declaration must be submitted to the Licencing Authority by March 31 if a person intends to store or sell spiny lobster, its parts, or products during the closed season. A certificate of storage will be issued after a fishery inspector has visited the storage location.

Spiny lobsters in storage between April 1 and 21, which have been declared to the licensing authority, may be sold, exported or processed within these 21 days. However, after April 21, it will be illegal for anyone to have any species of spiny lobsters/spiny lobster parts or products in their possession. It makes no difference whether the lobster is fresh, frozen, or otherwise.