Lobster season opens

In case you didn’t notice, June 15th marked the opening of lobster season. Today Belize City’s two fishing cooperatives, Northern and National, began to receive the first of what will become millions of tails that will eventually find there way to restaurants in the United States. While the rewards of lobsters are great for both the diners and fishermen, those who harvest the seafood must be careful to protect their catch.

Jacqueline Woods

“What is the competition like?”

Raul Avila, Fisherman

“Well, you have to worry mostly about the thieves. Everyday, you have the small skiffs go out and they harass you with your traps and your shades. We have to put shades for the lobster, and that’s what you have to mind. I’ve been there”

Jacqueline Woods

“So how do you all protect your catch?”

Raul Avila

“You stay out there and circle it everyday. Sometimes, we would take a gun, but we don’t show it. We tell them that we have a gun, but if needs be, we go out after them with the 12 gauge, but we don’t shoot, just frighten them.”

Lobster season will not close until February 15th of next year.”