The Nature Protection Service (Seprona) has seized 72 kilos of lobster from France and other seafood delicacies without proper traceability at Menorca airport. These items were due to have been distributed to various restaurants in Ciutadella, according to the Guardia Civil. The fisheries inspector from the Council of Menorca collaborated in the operation and allowed the delivery to the recipient establishments, although administrative proceedings remain open due to the irregularities detected in the labelling.
In another operation, carried out on 14 and 19 August at a restaurant in Ciutadella, 72 crabs and five lobsters were seized for being smaller than the permitted size. Similarly, in Mahón, irregularities have been reported due to the existence of lobster nurseries and specimens without the proper authorisation, and in Sant Lluís, 14 lobsters have been seized because their traceability could not be proven.
Throughout the summer, Seprona carried out 22 inspections in restaurants in Menorca, especially those specialising in fresh fish and seafood, which resulted in eight reports and the opening of the corresponding disciplinary proceedings. The agents have intensified their operation within the framework of the Comprehensive Fishing Activities Control Plan, during the summer season to ensure the legality of the conservation and marketing of fishery products on the island.
Whilst some of the island’s richest ingredients are the simplest fruit and vegetables, the Menorcan Lobster although simple and incredibly rich, is only available for a limited time each year and therefore a commands a much higher price tag.
La Langosta Menorquina is in season between April – August, when during the peak holiday period its value can be up to €130/kg in any restaurant. The traditional dish of the island for which it is famous is the Caldereta de Langosta, a Lobster Stew which is made with all natural ingredients such as fresh lobster, stock, bread or biscuits, tomato, onion, garlic, parsley and olive oil with salt.