Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority issues reminder to all fishing vessel operators and buyers in relation to obligations to comply with legal requirements when fishing for and buying European Lobster

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is reminding Irish fishing vessel operators of the conservation measures and legal requirements that apply to European lobster (Homarus gammarus).

A minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 87mm and maximum size of 127mm carapace length apply to European lobster caught by Irish fishing vessels. Carapace length is measured from the back of either eye socket to the distal dorsal edge of the carapace. Lobsters must be retained and landed whole to enable verification of compliance with the minimum and maximum size requirements. It is prohibited to retain or land any European lobsters that are below the minimum size of 87mm or above the maximum size of 127mm.

It is also prohibited to retain or land any lobsters with v-notched, mutilated or damaged tails. A v-notched lobster is identified by a v-shaped notch in any one of its tail flaps and indicates that the lobster is a breeding female. Protecting these lobsters is an important conservation measure supporting the future sustainability of the stock.

Undersized, oversized, v-notched or mutilated lobsters must be carefully handled and returned alive to the sea without delay. Further information can be found in the Fisheries Information Notice on Fishery Control Measures for European Lobster in the Irish EEZ.

Buyers are also reminded that it is prohibited to buy, sell, store or process European lobster that are undersized, oversized, v-notched or mutilated.

Recreational fishers are reminded of their obligations to comply with non-commercial pot fishing restrictions, such as the closed season, pot limit, and catch limit.
Further information is available in the Fisheries Information Notice Non-Commercial Pot Fishing.

For assistance or further details please contact: sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie

Image © SFPA Measuring European Lobster – Homarus gammarus

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