Lobster divers on the Pacific coast

[Huehuete Bob]

I am involved with the fishermen in Casares in a small way with one boat and equipment. The divers here use a contraption composed of a regular electric compressor with the electric motor replaced with a gasoline motor. Attached to the compressor are two air lines about 150 feet long with second stage regulators at each end. They dive around 80 feet and stay down for an hour and a half. There is usually no filtering of the air coming out of the compressor and sometimes the get oil mist and carbon monoxide mixed with the air. Although this would be illegal elswhere it is still legal in Nicaragua. I understand that in two years it will be banned. A few older divers have medical problems due to bad decompression habits and breathing the bad air.

Small lobsters are illegal here but they all capture them anyway and there is little enforcement of the rule. You can even order the small lobsters at most restaurants. The larger legal ones are sold to the exporters and you may be buying them at the local supermarket in the U.S.