If you’ve ever visited Puerto Nuevo in Playas de Rosarito, you’ve likely enjoyed a delicious lobster. This crustacean, harvested from Baja California’s coasts, has become a driving force for the region’s tourism and culinary industries.
However, what many don’t know is that this species—the California spiny lobster—can only be legally caught for half a year.
So how do Puerto Nuevo’s restaurants serve lobster daily to thousands of visitors year-round? The answer comes from Alma Rosa García Juárez, head of Baja California’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA):
“Restaurateurs, especially those in Puerto Nuevo, stock their warehouses before the season ends. Cooperatives and businesses also keep frozen lobster to supply restaurants during the ban,” she explained. “People travel long distances just to eat Puerto Nuevo-style lobster—the California spiny lobster.”
The fishing ban serves a critical purpose: protecting the species by allowing time for reproduction and preventing endangerment.
“Lobster fishing season runs from September to February. Right now, in May, the species is resting—we’re safeguarding it to ensure sustainable fishing and prevent depletion,” García Juárez emphasized.
When Does the Ban End?
In accordance with federal regulation, the spiny lobster fishing ban for Zone 1 of Baja California began on February 16, and will remain in effect until September 14, with harvesting activities resuming on September 15.
