Rules and Regulations.

If one of your plans, while visiting Roatan, is to fish for Lobster, you should familiarize yourself with Roatan's local fishing regulations. Roatan has a Marine Park tasked with protecting the surrounding marine ecosystem and coastal areas. This nonprofit organization protects local fauna and flora in and around the Bay Islands.

The Roatan Marine Park (RMP) has a Patrol Program, which serves as a quasi enforcement agency for environmental protection laws. As a visitor, don't be surprised to see one of a few patrol boats monitoring Roatan's waters during daylight hours. These patrol units ensure species and coral reefs are kept safe. The RMP watches over the area seven days a week. Visitors to Roatan, and the local community, can report any damage or illegal activity to the RMP through a mobile app. By using the RMP app, you help RMP in protecting our natural resources and ecosystems.

Popular Catches.

• Blackfin Tuna

• Lionfish

• Wahoo

Tuna & Wahoo

There are several species on Roatan which can be fished legally. Among these, three species stand out as plentiful and frequent catches. You'll find these on the menu in restaurants across Roatan and the Bay Islands.

Lionfish

The Lionfish is an invasive species in the waters around Roatan. For this reason, its the most popular fish to hunt using Hawaiian Slings while freediving or during a Scuba Dive.

The Lionfish is a popular dish on the island; however, in order to hunt for Lionfish, a spearfishing permit is required. This permit can be obtained through the Roatan Marine Park. Spearfishing is illegal around the island except for the spearing permits for snorkelers and divers. Without this permit, you are not allowed to go on lionfish hunts. 

Restricted Species.

• Lobster

• Conch

• Barracuda

Lobster

Lobster season on Roatan extends from July 1st to February 28th. Lobster fishing is only permitted during the season and only to people with lobster fishing permits given by the Marine Park. Hunting for Lobster is only allowed outside Roatan's Marine Reserve, and it must be done with a Hawaiian sling.

PRO TIP: It is illegal for anyone (including fishers with permits) to hunt undersized lobsters. A legal lobster must have a tail size measurement of 5.5 inches or 14 centimeters. It is prohibited to hunt for lobsters between March and June.

Conch & Barracuda Restrictions

Conch fishing or harvesting is not allowed on Roatan. If you see conch on the menu, its because they were fished by companies with a valid permit to fish outside Roatan's Marine Reserve.

Barracuda can be fished. A legal Barracuda must measure at least 36 inches or 91 centimeters for it to be a legal catch. Otherwise, a Barracuda must be caught and released. Minimum lengths are required to ensure that the young are not hunted and allowed to reproduce.

Prohibited Species.

• Sea Turtles

• Sharks

• Parrotfish

• Triggerfish

• Grouper

• Reef Snapper

Never in Season

Some species are prohibited since they have been overfished and are considered endangered. These species include sea turtles and groupers.

It is illegal to fish for sharks in Honduras. Species such as parrotfish and triggerfish play an essential role in the reef's health and are also restricted from fishing. In this light, we encourage you to avoid ordering seafood from restaurants that include these species.

How Can You Help?

Don't hesitate to report suspicious activity, such as someone using pole spears, spearguns, Lobster, and fish traps or a different net than a casting net. Remember to ask what type of fish you are buying, be aware of the minimum length restrictions, and note season closures so that Roatan's Marine Reserve continues to be protected.