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FINE FOR UNDERSIZED LOBSTERS
Three undersized lobsters cost a Pembrokeshire fisherman a £250 fine imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrate’s Court sitting on Thursday 9 March 2006.

The Court heard that Fishery Officers of the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee were on patrol near Milford Haven on 17 August 2005 when they came upon John Edward Askey of Haresteps, Church Lane, Reynalton in his fishing vessel ‘Proxenette’; on board were 5 lobsters, 3 of which were below the Committee’s Byelaw minimum size of 90mm carapace length.

Askey, who had only recently acquired the boat was in possession of a lobster gauge not applicable to the South Wales district. He apologised to the court and now fully understood the regulations.

An additional order for costs was made for £75.

A Committee spokesman emphasised how important it is to return lobsters just below the minimum size since at that stage one moult of their shells may see them increase in weight (and value) by as much as 40%. This not only contributes to the value of the fishery but also increases the lobster’s reproductive capacity ensuring the sustainability of the stocks.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

1. Lobster landings average between 70 and 100 tonnes per year from the rocky coastline between Swansea and Cardigan, worth around £630 - £900,000 per year and representing some 5.5 – 7.8% of UK declared catch.  Around 150 licensed fishing vessels locally derive an income from fishing for lobsters.  Landings, number of juveniles and catch per pot has increased year on year over the last 5 years.
2. A large female lobster (eg. 150mm carapace size or 2 kilos in weight) can produce 20,000 eggs per year – more than three times as many as a smaller but legal sized lobster at 90mm carapace length.
3. The SWSFC covers the area between Cardiff and Cardigan, and is funded by seven Unitary Authorities.