Lobster in Paraíba: closed season, timing and what to ask before ordering

The closed season runs from November 1 to April 30 and bans even sales along the entire Brazilian coast.

Lobster is regulated by federal rule, and the rule that matters most to diners is the closed season. Under Ordinance No. 221/2021, the ban period runs from November 1 to April 30 along the entire Brazilian coast and covers red, green and spotted lobster. The ban is not limited to fishing: it covers capture, transport, processing, manufacturing and also sale. In Paraíba, Sudema publishes the period and the rules that apply to the state.

Since 2026 there has also been an annual catch limit. Interministerial Ordinance MPA/MMA No. 56, of April 30, 2026, set a cap of 6,192 tonnes for red and green lobster combined, with fishing to stop once the limit is reached — previously, during the open season, there was no cap. The rule also set minimum catch sizes and the requirement to register, within three days, the lobster that reaches companies in a government system.

In practice, this means that fresh lobster offered between November and April is a sign of irregularity, and the consumer can ask for an invoice and information on its origin. Even outside the closed season, availability depends on the annual limit not yet having been reached, so it's worth confirming with the restaurant.

Among the capital's seafood restaurants, Nau and Canoa dos Camarões appeared in a January 2025 roundup with lobster dishes on the menu. Since availability varies according to the season and stock regularity, confirm before going.