Protecting Ireland’s crab and lobster fishery
With the reopening of Ireland’s crab and lobster fishery on May 1, the sea-fisheries regulator has reminded all fishers of the importance of compliance with the regulations and best practice that govern the catching, selling and purchase of crabs and lobsters.
EU regulations to conserve fisheries resources and to protect marine ecosystems were updated last year, to help ensure viability of the commercial inshore fishing industry.
Crab is an important component of Irish seafood exports, valued at €53m in 2019, making it Ireland’s third most valuable seafood export. Crab and lobsters are not only in demand overseas, but are popular among domestic recreational fishers during the summer months.
Dr Susan Steele, Chair of the SFPA, is urging everyone involved to pay particular attention to the regulations regarding the size of shellfish caught and the quantity of crab claws without bodies that can be retained on board a vessel.
These are regulations that go to the core of ensuring a sustainable fishery, she says.
Being physically large means they are older, and have had a good chance of contributing to the next generation; landing the whole body ensures that such an assessment can be made.
Taking small crabs out of the population damages future breeding potential and retaining the claws only evades the minimum size requirements.
Minimum size
Regulations concerning catch size in Irish waters apply to all fishers: edible/brown crab 140 mm, spider crab 120mm and velvet crab 65mm. European lobster have a 87 mm minimum size and 127 mm maximum (carapace length).
A crab or lobster outside these sizes limits must be returned immediately to the sea. Undersize shellfish cannot be retained on board for any reason including for use as bait. Lobsters that have been V-notched or have mutilated tails must not be retained on board.
For edible crabs caught in pots or creels, a maximum 1% by weight of the total catch of edible crab may consist of detached claws. For edible crabs caught with any other fishing gear other than pots or traps, maximum 75kg detached crab claws may be landed.
The SFPA is urging anyone who has concerns around fishing activity that might be illegal or against best practice, to call their confidential telephone number 1890 76 76 76. The SFPA can also be reached on 023 885 9300 | [email protected].
