The Department of Marine Resources announced yesterday that the local crawfish season begins on August 1 and runs through March 31, 2015.

In a press release issued Tuesday, the department reminded fishermen and the public that harvesting of undersized crawfish is against the law and encouraged persons to cease and desist the practice of illegally harvesting these resources.

“Fishermen are also cautioned against capturing egg-bearing crawfish as this practice further aids in the depletion of the crawfish stock in The Bahamas,” the release read.

”Fishermen are to take note of the minimum size limit for whole crawfish is size of three and a quarter inches carapace length. The minimum legal size limit on the crawfish tail is five and a half inches length. All fishers capturing crawfish are required to have a measuring gauge to ensure that they are able to confirm full compliance with the legal size requirements.”

The release further advised that those desirous of using an air compressor to harvest marine resources must first obtain a permit from the Department of Marine Resources. Applicants must provide proof of Bahamian citizenship, i.e. a Bahamian passport, along with proof that they have received adequate training in safely diving while using compressed air.

The air compressor permit allows the device to be used only between 30 feet to 60 feet and its legal use is to assist in the harvesting of marine resources from August 1 to March 31 inclusive.

Application forms for air compressor permits may be obtain from the website of the Department of Marine Resources at www.bahamas.gov.bs/marine resources, at the office of the Department of Marine Resources, East Bay Street or the extension officers in the Family Islands.

Fishers are reminded of the important role the crawfish industry plays in employing thousands of Bahamians and contributing millions of dollars to the economy of The Bahamas. Compliance to the Fisheries Regulations helps to ensure that these benefits will be available for further generations of Bahamians.

The public is advised to report all suspected violations to the Department of Marine Resources at telephone 393-1014, 393-1015 or 393-1777. All violators of the Fisheries Regulations can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.