Minimum sizes, closed seasons, prohibited species, and gear specifications: commercial marine fishing in Martinique is subject to a set of rules designed to regulate catches. A guide published in February 2026 summarizes the key guidelines to follow in order to conserve resources while ensuring that maritime professionals can continue their work.
Produced by the French Office for Biodiversity and the Martinique Marine Nature Park, this document summarizes, among other things, the provisions of the decree of April 25, 2019, regulating commercial marine fishing in the territory.
Give species time to reproduce
The regulations are based first and foremost on a simple principle: to prevent fish from being caught before they reach a size large enough to reproduce.
The guide states that common species caught should generally measure at least 15 centimeters. Exceptions are made for the koulirou, the tchatcha, the makriyo, the titiri, the lionfish, and the pisièt. Species subject to a total ban, however, remain protected regardless of their size.
For some families, the size limits are higher. Parrotfish, which may still be caught, as well as surgeonfish, must measure at least 22 centimeters. The minimum size is set at 56 centimeters for dolphinfish. For bluefin tuna, the guide specifies a threshold of 115 centimeters and 30 kilograms.
These limits are therefore not merely formalities. Their purpose is to allow marine populations to replenish themselves before individual fish enter the fishing and marketing channels.
Lambi, spiny lobster, and crab: species-specific rules
Shellfish and mollusks, which are particularly sought after in the waters off Martinique, are also subject to specific limits.
The royal lobster must measure at least 8 centimeters, versus 6 centimeters for Brazilian spiny lobster. All spiny lobsters carrying eggs are prohibited from being caught.
The land crab must reach a minimum size of 7 centimeters. Fishing for it is prohibited from June 16 through February 14, inclusive, in order to protect the species for much of the year.
The white sea urchin must be at least 9 centimeters excluding the spikes. Fishing is not open year-round: it remains subject to a special permit and to occasional or partial openings determined by prefectural decree.
For the conch, the guide lists two possible criteria: a weight of at least 250 grams or a horn thickness greater than 7 millimeters. Fishing for this species is prohibited from January 1 through June 30, inclusive. It must also be landed whole, with its shell.
The burgo must be at least 6 centimeters, clams 4 centimeters, while the octopus must reach a minimum weight of 750 grams.
Fully Protected Species
Certain species or families may not be caught under any circumstances.
The guide notes, in particular:
- all sea turtles; ;
- all marine mammals; ;
- seahorses and pipefish; ;
- angelfish; ;
- ornamental fish; ;
- corals; ;
- the Gorgons; ;
- sponges; ;
- algae and other marine plants; ;
- starfish, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, and other echinoderms.
Fishing for all groupers is also prohibited, with the exception of the crowned grouper, the cat grouper, and the outalibi. The white sea urchin is also subject to an exception when fishing is expressly authorized.
Three parrotfish species are specifically protected: the blue parrot, the blue zawag, and the Flemish zawag.
This protection does not apply solely to species directly targeted for their meat. It extends to organisms that play a role in the functioning of marine habitats and whose removal could disrupt the balance of ecosystems.
Special Protection for Sharks and Skates
Regulations also prohibit the capture of many species of sharks and rays.
The list includes, among others, manta rays and mobula rays, leopard rays (also known as eagle rays), sawfish, hammerhead sharks, the whale shark, the basking shark, the great white shark, the silky shark, the oceanic whitetip shark, the mako shark, and thresher sharks.
For shark and ray species that may still be caught, the limit is set at 10 people per outing. The mutilation of sharks, whether alive or dead, is prohibited, as is the purchase, sale, or offer for sale of their fins.
Nets and traps are also regulated
The conservation of fish stocks does not depend solely on the species caught. It also depends on the gear used.
Gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 40 millimeters on each side and do not exceed 4 meters high.
For surface or drift nets, the minimum mesh size is set at:
- 16 millimeters for the balaou; ;
- 19 millimeters for the flying fish.
Seine nets must have a minimum mesh size of 19 millimeters.
The traps must have a mesh size of at least 34 millimeters on each side and have a hatch 30 by 30 centimeters. They must also be tied shut with biodegradable twine. If a trap is lost, it must break down and allow the trap to open, to prevent it from continuing to catch animals without being retrieved: this is known as “ghost fishing.”.
Trawling and the use of gillnets are prohibited. It is also prohibited to use explosives, toxic or soporific substances, or to fish for juvenile demersal fish using purse seines.
Identify fishing gear and report catches
All equipment left at sea must be marked and identified using the vessel’s registration number. This requirement facilitates their identification and reduces the risks associated with lost or abandoned equipment.
Commercial fishermen must also report their catches. Vessels measuring up to 10 meters use a fishing log. For those measuring between 10 and 12 meters, the report is submitted through a fishing log.
The guide also mentions the option to report catches online using the VisioCapture app.
BMPs Subject to Authorization
The deployment of a fish aggregating device, or FAD, cannot be carried out freely.
It requires a temporary occupancy permit. The device must bear its authorization number and be equipped with a warning light.
The guide also provides links to additional information regarding regulated fishing areas. The rules may therefore vary depending on the specific areas, species, and time periods involved.
Regulations Designed to Ensure Longevity
By setting limits on catch sizes, fishing seasons, gear, and the species that may be caught, the regulations aim to prevent the premature or excessive exploitation of marine resources.
Its effectiveness, however, depends on its adoption by professionals, the reporting of catches, compliance with closed seasons, and the ability to monitor practices at sea.
For the fishing industry in Martinique, the stakes go beyond mere administrative compliance: the goal is to preserve the species and habitats on which the very future of the industry depends.
