Grouper & rockfish
crawfish or Spiny lobster
conch
stone crab
Sustainable Seafood in The Bahamas
In The Bahamas, the ocean is not just a part of the landscape, but a crucial aspect of our economy and culture. However, our marine resources are facing significant challenges due to factors like overfishing and climate change. To address this, we’re introducing a seafood calendar and a color-coded traffic light sustainable seafood guide so you can make the best seafood choices.
This guide is based on the best available science and we’re committed to continually updating our guidelines as new data emerges. Our aim is to highlight more sustainable seafood options by increasing awareness and providing simple tools to make informed choices. By promoting sustainable practices, we hope to safeguard both our marine resources and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
Best Choice (Green)
These seafood options are the best choices for you to buy and eat in The Bahamas.
Go Slow (Yellow)
These seafood items are in decline and we recommend you reduce the amount you eat them.
Go Slow (Red)
These seafood options are greatly threatened or provide important roles in maintaining the health of our oceans. We recommend you avoid eating or buying them!
#SaveDaSea
REDUCE how much you eat threatened and overfished species. Choose the best seafood options by using our guide to learn more about the seafood choices that are sustainable to eat and purchase in The Bahamas – highlighted in green. Avoid overfished and declining species highlighted in yellow & red, like the critically endangered Nassau grouper.
PASS on herbivores like parrotfish and surgeonfish, species that have important roles in maintaining the health of the marine environment. These herbivores eat algae, creating space for corals to grow.
RESPECT Bahamian fishery regulations by only eating and buying seafood that is in season and never purchase seafood during species closed seasons, make sure seafood is of legal size and weight & support local business and fishers that comply with the law.
Grouper & Rockfish
- Nassau grouper CLOSED SEASON 1 December – 28 February
- Grouper and rockfish must weigh at least 3lbs
- Nassau grouper are Critically Endangered
Crawfish or Spiny Lobster
- CLOSED SEASON 1 April – 31 July
- Minimum tail length of 5½ inches
- Possession of egg bearing females and/or removing eggs is prohibited
Conch
- No closed season currently
- Must have a fully-formed flared lip
- We recommend only eating & buying conch with a shell lip-thickness of at least 15mm (the length of a Bahamian one cent coin or a small paperclip)
Stone Crab
- CLOSED SEASON 1 June – 15 October
- Minimum claw size of 4 inches
- Harvesting claws from an egg bearing female is illegal
Using the Best Available Science
In the context of The Bahamas, it is essential to acknowledge that comprehensive stock assessments are not readily accessible for every seafood species that is harvested. Our approach to promoting sustainable seafood practices within the country is firmly rooted in the principles of sound science, relying on the best available data, research and local knowledge. We recognize the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the evolving state of knowledge in fisheries management. Therefore, our guidelines for sustainable seafood are not permanently fixed and will adapt, as new insights and data emerge. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we remain aligned with the most current and effective strategies for safeguarding both our precious marine resources and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
Research
PIMS spearheads innovative fisheries and sustainable seafood research in The Bahamas. Our mission is to highlight the significant benefits of sustainable fishing practices for education, economic growth, and community resilience.
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