Limits over fishing for lobster and crab

RECREATIONAL fishing for lobster and crab along Co Wicklow’s coastline may be a popular pastime but members of the public are being reminded of the regulations and best practice that govern the catching, selling and buying of crabs and lobsters.

A range of conservation measures were introduced to support the sustainability of Ireland’s inshore fisheries and guarantee the traceability of the product, which is essential for food safety. The regulations are enforced by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).

By law, recreational fishers can fish for lobster and crab from May 1 to September 30 every year. However, they can only fish up to six pots, and retain five crabs and one lobster daily. Furthermore, they may not store crabs or lobsters at sea, or sell or offer for sale any of their catches.

Dr Susan Steele, Chair of the SFPA, said that the regulations provide a daily allowance that is sufficient for personal consumption.

‘These regulations are designed to restrict commercial fishing to licensed operators. This is important to ensure the long-term viability of an industry on which many coastal communities rely for a living. Illegal fishing also poses a risk to public health as the seafood may not be stored or handled in accordance with food safety regulations, and could potentially damage the excellent reputation Irish seafood enjoys both at home and abroad’, said Dr Steele.

There are also regulations about the size of shellfish that can be caught in Irish waters that apply to all fishers – both commercial and recreational. The minimum size for brown crabs in Irish waters is 130mm while lobsters must measure between 87mm and 127mm along their carapace, which is the largest segment of a lobster. Members of the public who catch a crab or lobster outside these sizes must return it to sea alive.

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 either. Catching shellfish by means of skin-diving is also prohibited, including using apparatus of any kind, which enables a person to breathe under water.