{"id":7850,"date":"2016-07-05T14:27:44","date_gmt":"2016-07-05T13:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/?p=7850"},"modified":"2016-07-11T09:13:00","modified_gmt":"2016-07-11T08:13:00","slug":"caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/","title":{"rendered":"The Caribbean Spiny Lobster: our Belize volunteers learn from an expert"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is now the time of year when the fishers of Belize set sail to fish for some Caribbean Spiny Lobster! This valuable and tasty crustacean is Belize\u2019s main fishery &#8211; in order to ensure everyone can enjoy eating grilled lobster for generations to come, there is a national fishery closure from 15th February to 14th June every year. \u00a0Volunteers on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blueventures.org\/volunteer\/belize\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belize expedition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were lucky enough to experience lobster season opening on the 15<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> June, while in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve (BCMR).\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having been involved in lobster surveys during their expedition, our volunteers \u00a0were eager to learn more about these creatures and their fisheries&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Henry Brown, Fisheries Officer and Marine Biologist stationed at BCMR, was the perfect person to teach our volunteers about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. <\/span><\/p>\n<div data-carousel-extra='{\"blog_id\":1,\"permalink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.blueventures.org\\\/en\\\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\\\/\"}' class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular\" data-original-width=\"900\"><div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 895px; height: 409px;\"><div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 619px; height: 413px;\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/dsc_8814\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7857\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8814.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1063\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Caribbean spiny lobster\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8814-537x357.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8814-727x483.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8814-615x409.jpg\" width=\"615\" height=\"409\" align=\"left\" title=\"Caribbean spiny lobster\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 615px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 615\/409;\" \/><\/a><div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\">The Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus). Photo: Olivia Lacasse <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 276px; height: 413px;\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/dsc_8772\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7866\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8772.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1063,1600\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC_8772\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8772-237x357.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8772-321x483.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8772-272x409.jpg\" width=\"272\" height=\"409\" align=\"left\" title=\"DSC_8772\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 272px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 272\/409;\" \/><\/a><div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\">Henry Brown. Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 895px; height: 443px;\"><div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 895px; height: 447px;\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/lobster-featured-pic-2-2\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7868\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/lobster-featured-pic-2-2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1600,795\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"lobster featured pic 2-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/lobster-featured-pic-2-2-700x348.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/lobster-featured-pic-2-2-745x370.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/lobster-featured-pic-2-2-891x443.jpg\" width=\"891\" height=\"443\" align=\"left\" title=\"lobster featured pic 2-2\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 891px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 891\/443;\" \/><\/a><div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\">The Belize volunteer team! Photo: Olivia Lacosse<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Henry began with a brief talk about lobsters and their anatomy, demonstrating their different appendages and body parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7860\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7860\" class=\"size-paperback-full-width wp-image-7860 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-1200x797.jpg\" alt=\"Volunteer with lobster\" width=\"900\" height=\"598\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-1200x797.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-537x357.jpg 537w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-1300x864.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-98x65.jpg 98w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-727x483.jpg 727w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/DSC_8845.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/598;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7860\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A hands-on demonstration of lobster anatomy! Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He said: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCaribbean spiny lobster is one of Belize\u2019s main food delicacies and the country\u2019s highest exported seafood.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are all mature lobsters as they can sexually reproduce. As we turn over the lobster we can determine their sex \u2013 this is a male lobster.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7852\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7852\" class=\"size-paperback-full-width wp-image-7852 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-1200x797.jpg\" alt=\"Male lobster\" width=\"900\" height=\"598\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-1200x797.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-537x357.jpg 537w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-1300x864.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-98x65.jpg 98w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-727x483.jpg 727w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-2.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/598;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7852\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Underside of a male lobster. Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In comparison to the males, a female lobster has a tar spot, which indicates that it is due to have eggs. It also has an extra pair of pleopods.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-carousel-extra='{\"blog_id\":1,\"permalink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.blueventures.org\\\/en\\\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\\\/\"}' class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular\" data-original-width=\"900\"><div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 895px; height: 295px;\"><div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 448px; height: 299px;\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/photo-3-7\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7853\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-3.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1063\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Female lobster tar spots\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-3-537x357.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-3-727x483.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-3-444x295.jpg\" width=\"444\" height=\"295\" align=\"left\" title=\"Female lobster tar spots\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 444px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 444\/295;\" \/><\/a><div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\">Tar spot. Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 447px; height: 299px;\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/photo-4-6\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7854\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-4.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1063\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Female lobster pleopods\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-4-537x357.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-4-727x483.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-4-443x295.jpg\" width=\"443\" height=\"295\" align=\"left\" title=\"Female lobster pleopods\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 443px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 443\/295;\" \/><\/a><div class=\"tiled-gallery-caption\">Extra pleopods. Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Female lobsters can be staged by measuring the hairs; the hairs can be barely seen in Stage 1, are 1mm in Stage 2, and 2mm or greater in Stage 3.<\/p>\n<p>We can measure the carapace from the notch between the eyes using a calliper. The legal size requirement is greater than 3 inches.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7855\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7855\" class=\"size-paperback-full-width wp-image-7855 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-1200x797.jpg\" alt=\"Measuring the carapace\" width=\"900\" height=\"598\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-1200x797.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-537x357.jpg 537w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-1300x864.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-98x65.jpg 98w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-727x483.jpg 727w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Photo-5.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/598;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7855\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Measuring the carapace. Photo: Olivia Lacasse<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Additionally, it is legally required that the lobster must be post molting. If the tail is to be sold alone, it must weigh more than 4 ounces.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Caribbean Spiny Lobster &#8211; Question time!<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q: How long does it take for larvae to become an adult lobster?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0There are 11 stages before reaching the pelagic stage. From the eggs hatching to becoming a mature, sexually active, adult takes approximately 7 to 10 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: How many times does a lobster molt before reaching an adult stage?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0The shell grows to certain capacity before molting. There is no specific time frame, but usually this is when the adult is feeding well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What do lobsters feed on?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Lobsters are bottom feeders. I have witnessed lobsters eating dead fish. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have even seen a lobster eating a dead lionfish!<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Q: How many eggs does a female lobster carry?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0About 1 million eggs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Where can you find the Caribbean spiny lobster?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0They can be found in the Caribbean Sea, up to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What is the life expectancy of a lobster?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Lobsters live for about 20 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Do lobsters have predators?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Lobsters are eaten by sharks, loggerhead turtles and deep sea squid. Their antlers and horns are their only line of defence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What are the techniques for catching lobsters?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Lobsters are caught using a hook stick. A hook stick is a rod with a big hook on the end which has been filed down and made smoother than a standard fish hook. Most people try and hook lobsters on the chest, so that the meat in the tail remains unspoiled. However, it is easier to hook lobsters in the tail.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7859\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7859\" class=\"size-paperback-full-width wp-image-7859 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"Catching lobsters with a hook stick\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-87x65.jpg 87w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-476x357.jpg 476w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-644x483.jpg 644w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-1300x975.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-6.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/675;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Measuring the lobsters using a tickle stick. Photo: Fredi Peiffer<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Q: What is the average lobster catch per year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0The catch per year is monitored to a certain extent and the quota varies annually. The catch is also influenced by surveys. For example, if there is a low abundance of lobsters recorded, then the quota will be smaller. There is also a maximum limit that cannot be exceeded, which is set by the International Trading Association.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are currently monitoring fisherman to gain a better idea of the abundance by collecting data on fishing effort, time spent fishing, the number of fisherman and the number of catches per unit.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Q: Is lobster aquaculture present?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Previous research demonstrates that lobster farming is not really an economical option. Shrimp is the only seafood farmed in Belize. There was a conch hatchery south of Rocky Point, however it was not successful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Do fishermen from neighbouring countries ever try to fish in Belize?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Yes \u2013 we try to protect Belizean water. This can happen near the Mexican and Guatemalan borders. If this type of illegal fishing happens, the fisherman will be charged the maximum fine to try and deter this from happening. Night fishing is also a problem, as lobsters are active at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What are the penalties for illegal fishing?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0The fine is 500 dollars. People can also receive a prison sentence, depending upon the judge\u2019s decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Do you need a licence to fish lobsters?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Yes \u2013 you are required to hold a conventional fishing licence from the fisheries department.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What is the price a local fisherman can receive for a lobster?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0It depends upon the demand. You can get 25 dollars per pound of tails, which is approximately 3 tails at the legal weight of more than 4 ounces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Can you eat any part of the lobster other than the tail?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Yes, you can eat meat from the head but it is quite time consuming. There is also some meat in the antlers and the legs can be used in soup.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7865\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7865\" class=\"size-paperback-full-width wp-image-7865 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"Lobster Leg Soup?\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-87x65.jpg 87w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-476x357.jpg 476w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-644x483.jpg 644w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-1300x975.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Fredi-3.jpg 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/675;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7865\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lobster Leg Soup? Yes please! Photo: Fredi Peiffer<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Q:\u00a0\u00a0Do the antennae grow back?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0They can heal if they are damaged. I have some lobsters with short antennae.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Are lobsters territorial?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0No \u2013 you often see 3 or 4 together, usually 2 adults and 3 juveniles. They tend to stay within caves and holes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What is your favourite lobster recipe?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Henry<\/em>:\u00a0Barbecued lobster!<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7858\" style=\"width: 970px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7858\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7858 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony.jpg\" alt=\"Caribbean spiny lobster is one of Belize\u2019s main food delicacies and the country\u2019s highest exported seafood\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-98x65.jpg 98w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-536x357.jpg 536w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-725x483.jpg 725w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/media\/2016\/07\/Tony-375x250.jpg 375w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 960px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 960\/640;\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caribbean spiny lobster is one of Belize\u2019s main food delicacies. Photo: Tony Ellis<\/p><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Want to see a lobster underwater (or on the barbeque!) for yourself? Find out more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/blueventures.org\/volunteer\/belize\/\">volunteer expeditions in Belize<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Cover image: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.venture-tv.net\/\">Laetitia Clement<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From fishery closures to how to measure a carapace, our volunteers found out everything they could ever have wanted about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":7872,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[115,471],"tags":[585,613,484,488],"class_list":["post-7850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-belize","category-volunteer-expeditions","tag-belize","tag-lobster","tag-rebuilding-fisheries","tag-training"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Caribbean Spiny Lobster | Beyond Conservation Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From fishery closures to how to measure a carapace, our volunteers found out everything they could ever have wanted about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Caribbean Spiny Lobster | Beyond Conservation Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From fishery closures to how to measure a carapace, our volunteers found out everything they could ever have wanted about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.blueventures.org\/en\/caribbean-spiny-lobster-belize\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blue Ventures - 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