The Marine Enforcement Section wishes to advise all fishers that a temporary ban on lobster fishing will come into effect on Tuesday 23 June 2026 and will run until Friday 31 December 2026.

This ban is being put in place as the annual catch limits for both the Brown Spiny Lobster and Stump Lobster have now been reached across all fishing sectors.

 The catch limits were established using scientific research undertaken through the Darwin Lobster Project (2018–2021), which significantly improved our understanding of our Lobster population status around the island (where they occur, how they live, and how abundant they are). A precautionary approach is applied when establishing catch limits to ensure that sufficient breeding stock remains in the sea to keep St Helenas lobster populations healthy and sustainable for the future.

Fishing Control Notice

  1. The landing or retention of the following species within St Helena’s fisheries limits is prohibited during the period commencing Tuesday 23 June 2026 and ending Friday 31 December 2026:
  2. Brown Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Echinatus)
  3. Stump Lobster (Scyllarides Obtusus)
  • Any Brown Spiny Lobster or Stump Lobster caught as bycatch during this period must be returned immediately to the sea and any bycatch so returned will not be considered to have been caught in breach of this notice.

Penalties

Please note that breaking a Fishing Control Notice is a serious offence under section 72(2) of the Fisheries Ordinance, 2021. Violators face prosecution and a maximum fine of £25,000.

Next Steps

The Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section (MFCS) has over the last three years continued to monitor lobster stocks through annual surveys, tagging programmes, and fisher logbook returns. This valuable data that will soon be analysed to review the current catch limits to ensure thaty future limits reflect the latest scientific understanding.

Thank you to all fishers who contribute data and support our survey work. Your cooperation plays a vital role in protecting and sustaining this important fishery for everyone. For further information please contact Kelly Jonas, Marine Enforcement Officer, by telephone on 25947 or via email at kelly.jonas@sainthelena.gov.sh.