The Department of Marine Resources wishes to advise the general public of the opening of the crawfish season commencing on 1 August, 2008 to 31 March, 2009.

During the mentioned dates fishers may be legally permitted to use air compressors to harvest crawfish in The Bahamas.

The Department of Marine Resources wishes to remind fishers against harvesting undersized crawfish (crawfish with tail lengths of less than 5 ½ inches and carapace lengths of less than 3 ¼ inches). Fishers are cautioned against capturing egg-bearing crawfish.

All persons capturing crawfish are required to have a measuring gauge to ensure the size compliance.
Persons expecting to use an air compressor to harvest marine resources must first obtain a permit from the Department of Marine Resources. The air compressor permit allows usage between depths of 30 ft. to 60 ft.

Persons seeking to obtain an air compressor permit must first present proof of dive competency for approval at the Department of Marine Resources.

Application forms for air compressor permits may be obtained from the Department of Marine Resources, East Bay Street or the offices of the Extension officers in the Family Islands.

Fishers are reminded as to the important role the crawfish industry plays to the economy of The Bahamas employing thousands of Bahamians and contributing millions of dollars to the economy of The Bahamas.

The general public is advised to report all suspected violation to the Department of Marine Resources at telephone 393-1014 or 393-1015 or 393-1777. All violators of the fisheries regulations can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.