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INCREASED MINIMUM SIZE OF LOBSTER FOR EXPORT TO UNITED STATES

 
On January 18, 2008 the Fisheries Administrator, Beverly Wade (Fisheries Department) hosted a Forum with a goal to help educate fishermen and build support for a sustainable lobster fishery.     The Department informed the Fishing Cooperatives of the proposed increase minimum size of lobster that the cooperatives will now have to export to the US market.  The new lobster regulation as mandated by United States is that in early 2009 they are planning to pass legislation to establish the minimum lobster tail weight to 5 ounces.  Nicaragua and Honduras have legislated a 5 ounce minimum lobster tail since 2005.  Other countries in Central America have agreed to adopt the measure in the Nicaragua meeting (Dec. 10-11, 2007).  Belize has reasonably justified to maintain its current minimum tail weight/size but pressure is high to change.  The implications for Belize’s lobster exports are: Belize may not be able to export to the US as much as 40% of its production volume from northern Belize when the new US legislation is implemented in early 2009. Also, export earnings could decrease in the next 2-3 years. Other markets need to be identified for 4 ounce lobster tails very soon!!!

Discussions with US Authorities have been very good in the last year.  They have even provided bridging funds to assist the process.  In November 2007, at a meeting in the Dominican Republic with lobster industry people resulted in the following proposal for Belize.

Increase to 4.2 onz. - lobster tails for export in 2008
Increase to 4.35 onz - lobster tails for export in2009
Increase to 4.5 onz. - lobster tails for export in 2010

At the onset of the opening of the lobster season, Acting Fisheries Administrator, George Myvette hosted a follow-up meeting on June 24, 2008 to have the cooperatives of Belize sign a lobster pledge; however, the participants of the meeting recommended some amendments to the pledge and postponed the signing of the lobster pledge.  Present at the meeting was Mr. Gabino Canto, CEO Fisheries and Agriculture Department.  The fishing cooperatives had some grave concerns, which they presented to the CEO and the entire Fisheries Department.  Topping the list is for assistance in identifying a market for the 4 ounce that will offer competitive prices.