Medley (2005) indicated the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) stock in Belize appears to be heavily exploited. González (2007) made a first attempt in approximating the lobster population of Belize using cohort analysis; which resulted in that the Fishing mortality was high as 0.7 year-1 and annually it is extracted between 40% to 60 %( average 55% for the period) of the stock. This was contrary to what was reported by Medley (2005). The recruitment to the fishery shows that a decrease occurs from 1999-2000 with a rapid recuperation and stabilization from 2001 -2005, however there was a decrease in 2006.

Minimum size (minimum carapace length is 3 inches or 7.6 cm, minimum tail weight is 4 ounces or 113.4 g). Closed season (15 Feb to 14 June). Prohibition of possession of diced lobster tail meat. No commercial deep water fishing is allowed. Prohibition of lobster fishing with SCUBA gear. Coastal network of 8 marine reserves. No lobster traps are allowed beyond the barrier reef. No lobster traps are allowed within a distance of 300 m from any coral formation. It is prohibited to capture “berried” or egg bearing lobsters, lobsters with “tar” spot and molting lobsters. In addition a Lobster Management Plan is in place, a National Managed Access Programme and data sharing with Statistical Institute of Belize (S.I.B), Belize Central Bank, fishing cooperatives, NGOs and other Departments.