SFPA ISSUES ADVICE ON CLOSURE OF EDIBLE CRAB AND SPIDER CRAB FISHERIES

SFPA issues advice on closure of edible crab and spider crab fisheries in the biologically sensitive area. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) wishes to advise the fishing industry that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Crab Fisheries Management and Conservation Notice, introducing an immediate closure of the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) and spider crab (Maja squinado) fisheries within Ireland’s Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA).

This measure came into force at 16:55 hours on 11^th November 2025.

Under this Notice, masters of Irish sea-fishing vessels 10 metres or greater in length are prohibited from fishing for, retaining on board, or transhipping edible crab or spider crab within the BSA as defined by the Notice.

By way of derogation, vessels that already have crab or spider crab on board within the BSA may retain and land their catch up to 16:55 hours on 14^th November 2025. After this time, no retention or landing of crab species from the area will be permitted.

The BSA is defined as the waters off the south and southwest coast of Ireland.

 The SFPA reminds all vessel masters and operators that full compliance with the closure notice is mandatory. The SFPA will continue to monitor fishing activity to ensure adherence to these conservation measures.

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

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