The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Co-Operatives and Rural Development announced last week that the lobster fishery is open.

Fisheries Assistant responsible for Information and Communication, Yvonne Edwin, cautioned that although the season is open, there are rules and regulations that must be upheld.

“The lobster season opened on Aug. 2. The department urges all fishers—but in particular those who purchase lobsters—that the season is open but the regulations speak to certain conditions that must be adhered to," she said.

"There is a 9.5 centimetre carapace length; lobsters that have been speared should not be purchased; also lobsters that are moulting or may carry eggs should not be purchased.

"We want to urge purchasers and in particular hotels and restaurants that they should monitor those purchases when they make them."

Ms. Edwin goes added that anyone—whether a fisher or a consumer—caught not abiding by the guidelines will be subject to a fine.

“Consumers of lobsters should also be aware because the the law also speaks to the possession of lobsters, so if you purchase a lobster or you have a lobster in your freezer, or you are eating a lobster that is undersized or does not comply with the regulations, you could be fined up to $5000."

The lobster season will close on Feb. 28, 2017.