More than 60,000 lobsters, with a combined weight of almost 39 tonnes, were returned to Irish waters under a Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) conservation programme in 2025 – the highest number recorded since legislation protecting V-notched lobsters was introduced 30 years ago.
Almost 240 fishers across 92 locations around the Irish coast participated in BIM’s Lobster V-Notching Scheme, which aims to protect breeding female lobsters and sustain stocks.
Protecting Breeding Female Lobsters
V-notching involves cutting a small V-shaped mark into a female lobster’s tail flap before returning it to sea. The mark identifies the lobster as legally protected from landing or sale, giving it the opportunity to breed again.
The number of lobsters notched in 2025 was equivalent to 6.5% of total annual lobster landings, based on an average catch of 600 tonnes. BIM estimates the programme could produce an additional 450 million eggs, assuming each V-notched lobster spawns three times after being returned to sea.
Future of the Fishery: Ireland's lobster conservation programme compensates participating fishers for returning breeding females to the sea, with grants approaching €800,000 again in 2026. Photo: BIM
Delivered by BIM regional officers in collaboration with fishers, the scheme puts conservation directly into the hands of those working at sea. It is funded under Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Fishers’ Commitment Central to Success
BIM Fisheries Development Manager Dr Ian Lawler said, “Every female lobster returned to sea is an investment in the future. V-notching is a practical measure that allows fishers to protect breeding stocks while supporting their livelihoods.”
He added, “The commitment of fishers around the coast is central to its success. They know that healthy lobster stocks mean a stronger future for their businesses. It is great to see demand for the scheme grow annually.”
Dr Lawler said the scheme provides up to 100% of the market price of each lobster V-notched. It is open to owners of fishing vessels of 15 metres or less that are on the Irish Register of Fishing Boats.
It is illegal to land, transport, possess or sell a V-notched lobster. The V-notch lasts through approximately three moults, potentially up to six years, allowing the lobster to spawn multiple times. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority recently reminded fishers of these protections and the legal landing-size limits.
The 2026 V-notching scheme looks set to match last year’s record, with total grants approaching the approximately €800,000 awarded in 2025. Afloat previously reported that 47,000 lobsters were returned to sea under the scheme in 2024, illustrating the increase in participation.
Clogherhead Fisherman Backs Conservation Scheme
Among this year's participants is Clogherhead fisherman Tomas Whelan, who has V-notched more than 400 lobsters weighing 225kg so far this season.
Local Commitment: Clogherhead fisherman Tomas Whelan has V-notched more than 400 lobsters weighing 225kg this season, helping protect breeding stocks under BIM's conservation programme. Photo: BIM
Fishing with three others aboard his vessel D’Ark, Whelan welcomed the scheme as a way to protect the species.
“I only started lobster fishing a few years ago. Before then, I fished all my life for prawns and mackerel. But I decided to buy a smaller boat for lobster fishing and I am loving it.”
Whelan is a familiar sight aboard his vessel, the Clogherhead Lobster Boat, and in his mobile sales van, from which he sells fresh, wild lobster at Clogherhead Harbour.
From Boat to Market: Tomas Whelan sells fresh, wild Irish lobster directly to customers through his Clogherhead Lobster Boat mobile sales van, highlighting the potential for Ireland's domestic market. Photo: BIM
“I don’t think Irish people appreciate lobster as much as foreigners do. A lot of my customers are not Irish. They are people who have moved and are working here, and there is steady demand.”
He believes there is considerable potential to develop the domestic market.
“There is huge potential in lobster in Ireland. There is an assumption it is an expensive fish and a fish for the elite, but that is not the case.”
