Lobsters & Crabs

It is prohibited to use any parlour pot unless it is fitted with at least one unobstructed escape gap in the exterior wall of the parlour. Any escape gap must be designed so that a rigid box gauge measuring 84 mm wide 46 mm high 100 mm long may pass easily through the gap. Escape gaps must be fitted such that the longitudinal axis is parallel to the base of the pot, and must be fitted as close to the base as is practical and in all cases within 100 mm of the base.

The hinge or clasp securing the door of any parlour pot must be made of rubber, metal, or a similar natural material that will require replacement annually.

The prescribed minimum size for lobsters is 87 mm. It is prohibited to land, carry, sell, or offer for sale any lobster below the prescribed minimum size.

No person shall remove from the fishery any berried lobster.

The landing of any mutilated lobster or crawfish, or any lobster or crawfish bearing a V notch is prohibited.

For edible crabs caught in pots or creels, a maximum of 1% by weight of the total catch of edible crab may consist of detached claws. For edible crabs caught with any other fishing gear, a maximum of 75kg of detached crab claws may be landed.

The minimum size for edible crabs in the North Sea (ICES area IVc, North of 51 N) is 130 mm carapace width.

The minimum size for edible crab in the English Channel (ICES area VIId, South of 51  N) is 140 mm carapace width