The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has reminded Irish fishing vessel operators of the conservation measures and legal requirements that apply to European lobster (Homarus gammarus).
A minimum conservation reference size of 87mm and maximum size of 127mm carapace length apply to European lobster caught by Irish fishing vessels, the SFPA says.
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.
The SFPA says 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, and 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, it says.
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.
For assistance or further details, the SFPA can be contacted on email: sfpafood&[email protected]
