The month of August in the Turks and Caicos Islands holds cultural significance for two reasons. We celebrate Emancipation Day, the official end and liberation of slavery throughout the Caribbean, and it also marks another reason to celebrate – the arrival of the lobster season for the important fishery trades.

The Turks and Caicos Island Government announced on July the 26th that the opening of The Lobster Season would commence on Monday, August 1st 2023 through the 31 March, 2024. 

Fishermen, restaurants, tourists and the local community at large can now look towards an exciting seven months with this fine local delicatessen being back on the menu. 

South Caicos, being the lobster capital of Turks and Caicos rejoices each year for the new lobster season, for local fishermen throughout this sleepy island can now catch, process and export spiny lobster at last. 

The official name for the local lobster is Panulirus argus. It is also sometimes referred to as rock lobster and sea crayfish. Spiny lobster differs from its northern cousin, Maine lobster, in two ways. First, the meat is only edible in the tail of a spiny lobster, whereas the meat is edible in Maine lobster in the claws, body and tail. Secondly, the spiny lobster meat tends to be coarse and dry in comparison to Maine lobster meat. Despite the contrast in texture, a South Caicos lobster on the open flame, is sure to produce a wonderful grill lobster. 

Most South Caicos lobster is harvested from the East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve, located near the coastline of East Bay Resort. Lobster is caught by trapping and hooking. Trapping involves use of lobster traps, whereas hooking is done by free diving (holding breath while diving). Free divers will use snorkel gear and a three foot long pole with a barbed hook end. Experienced divers will typically catch three lobsters per dive. Catching lobster by free diving can be risky, as spiny lobsters have long, stiff antennae over their eyes which can inflict serious wounds, as can their tails.

It is estimated that up to 75% of the South Caicos population is employed in the fishing industry. The opening of lobster season is known locally as, “The Big Grab”, when 30% to 40% of the lobster harvested for the entire season is caught. If having an abundant supply of fresh South Caicos lobster on your vacation is important, it is best to visit South Caicos at the start of lobster season in Turks and Caicos.

The local government instills strict rules and regulations to maintain the longevity of the indigenous lobster. The Department of Marine Fisheries and Resource Management appeals to citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to familiarize themselves with and to uphold the Fisheries Regulations, and urges all responsible citizens to report any violations.

The Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty wishes you a lovely 2023 lobster season.