Lobster season has started. Are you ready?
- The Galapagos archipelago is home to different marine species and among them the Galapagos lobster, of which we will find two species on the islands; the red lobster, (Panulirus penicillatus) and the green lobster (Panulirus gracillus). The fishing sector and the environmental authority agree on a period of five months of capture.
- The opening is based on the results of the 2018-2019 fishing monitoring and the five-year fishing calendar (2016-2021).
The resource will be monitored at the allowed docks used in Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela. The Management of the Galapagos National Park (DPNG), through resolution No. 0057, authorized the start of the spiny lobster fishery season of the red (Panuliruspenicillatus) and green species (Panulirusgracilis) in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, from this August 1st. until December 31st, 2019. This decision is based on the results of the monitoring carried out with the artisanal fishing sector of the archipelago since the beginning of this year. During these activities, captures and records of biological information of the crustacean population were made.The capture of spiny lobster is authorized only for people who have a valid environmental license of Artisanal Fisherman of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, and for those ships with the fishing permit granted by the DPNG. The resources will be monitored at the authorized docks of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Puerto Villamil by park rangers who will control commitment of the minimum established sizes of 26 centimeters for whole lobsters and 15 centimeters for the tails. The capture of oval or brushed lobsters is prohibited.
THINGS YOU HAVE TO KNOW:
- The best season to taste a Galapagos lobster
is from July to December, (this may vary according to the regulations of the Galapagos National Park regarding the lobster fishing season). - Green lobster has a more refined taste than red lobster, however red lobster is no less flavorful than green.
- Generally, the lobster most offered in Galapagos restaurants and cruises is the green.
- Steaming is the most common for both lobster and its garnishes, which are usually vegetables that enhance its flavors such as asparagus or carrots.
- Lobster has several important nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and potassium. Importantly, it helps prevent osteoporosis.