Our favorite time of year is just around the corner, LOBSTER SEASON!
Lobster season in Belize opens on June 15th every year and closes on February 15th. There is so much lobster available during the summers here that prices for this tasty treat are at their absolute lowest. In honor of our favorite time of year, we’ve put together a few fun facts to honor this scrumptious sea creature.
1. The lobster we’re discussing are scientifically known as Panulirus Argus and they are the only lobster that is regulated in Belize.
Spiney Lobster BelizeIn Belize, we prefer to call it by a less scientific name, we call it lobster or crayfish. Elsewhere it goes by the name warm water spiny lobster, rock lobster or Caribbean lobster to distinguish it from its larger and better-known cousin found in the deep cold waters off Canada and the northeastern United States. But whatever you call this elusive creature its importance to the economy of Belize cannot be overstated.
2. The Caribbean Spiny lobster takes 3-5 years to mature and can reach a maximum length of two feet, although sometimes they look a lot bigger underwater to the inexperienced eye!
Because the lobster migrates, it’s difficult to get accurate population counts but one thing is for sure: their numbers are less than they used to be! For this reason Belize has a season and size limit for lobsters and it’s based on their mating/spawning season. And the minimum size is a 4 ounce tail.
3. Capturing the lobsters isn’t as easy as you might think.
How does on go about catching one of these tasty creatures? Lobster diving requires at least two people: one person to drive the boat and one person to jump into the water, hold their breath, dive down to the lobster shades, pick up the lobster by hand, swim it to the surface, and chuck the terrified lobster into the bottom of the boat. Then repeat. Hundreds of times.
4. Every year on the island of Ambergris Caye there is a huge celebration honoring lobster season called the San Pedro Lobsterfest.
The San Pedro Lobster Festival is an annual event that celebrates the reopening of lobster season in Belize. The first festival was held in 2007 with a week of nightly events leading up to one epic block party. Over the past 10 years the festival has evolved into a 10 day festival filled with over 20 great activities and incredible lobster themed foods! The 10th annual San Pedro Lobster Festival kicking off on Wednesday, June 15th, 2016! Voted #1 Festival in Belize!
As if you needed another reason, this festival is an ideal time to head to Belize. You can tell your friends back home you had so much freshly prepared lobster in Belize you won’t go near a Red Lobster joint in a while!
What’s your favorite lobster dish? Tell us in the comments below!
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