PRESS RELEASES -01/05 28th April 2005 | 05/05 6th September 2005 | 11/06 28th November 2006 Press Release 05/05 6th September 2005 PROGRESS REPORT ON EU FUNDED LOBSTER V-NOTCHING SCHEME In late April the Committee confirmed that it had been granted £336,816 to purchase for return to the sea of up to 24,000 female lobsters with a V-cut tail notch (PR 01/05). The landing of such lobsters is illegal and they act as a continuing broodstock to maintain the stocks. Whilst the full introduction of the scheme was delayed by unusually heavy cockle fishery related business, it is now reported that over 2000 lobsters have been released since the 1st July. Furthermore 100 V-notching pliers and sets of shellfish measuring gauges have now been distributed free of charge to practising commercial lobster fishermen. The Committee's Director said 'This is a unique scheme which local fishermen have greatly supported. The notching pliers will allow fishermen to safely and effectively notch more lobsters on a voluntary basis and re-notch older lobsters where the notches have started to grow out,. This will extend the benefits of the scheme. Furthermore, the shellfish measuring gauges will help ensure that all undersized lobsters, edi-ble crab and spider crab are returned to the sea until they can be legally caught when they have spawned and are larger (and therefore worth more). There can now be no excuse for any fisherman taking under-sized shellfish from the SWSFC district. Together the protection of small shellfish and larger breeding lobsters provides the basis for building upon the already healthy local stocks of shellfish in support of a viable productive fishery. At this time when headlines are so often about the decline in fish stocks and of ineffective management, it is nice to report upon a success story.' South and West Wales Fishing Communities Ltd. is the association which represents licenced commercial fishermen in the area . Their spokesman said, " Our members are pleased to support this scheme as it safe-guards both their present income and the future of the fishery. They appreciate that existing stock of lob-ster was enhanced by the scheme when it operated previously. This is a good example of fishermen and fishery managers working together to ensure sustainability of fish stocks and the inshore fishing fleet." NOTE TO EDITORS 2. Lobster landings average between 70 and 100 tonnes per year from the rocky coastline between Swansea and Cardigan, worth, at first sale, 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. 3. The SWSFC was the first in the UK to introduce statutory protection of V-notched lobsters when its byelaw was confirmed in November 1996. (SWSFC: PR 15/96). Several other SFCs and National legislation have since followed. 4. A large female lobster (e.g. 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. 5. SWSFC: PR 4/99 describes how EU PESCA grant, along with Committee finances, allowed for the purchase and return of 6332 V-notched lobsters (£60,000) between 1999 and 2001. 6. The measure follows the Committee's introduction of a raised minimum landing size of 90mm carapace length in July 1997. This is in recognition of the need to provide protection to immature lobsters to allow them to spawn before capture. 7. The Committee appointed a dedicated Biologist for four years ending 1999 on part EU funding to research lobster and crab populations in South West Wales. 'Analyses of shellfish permit data with reference to lobster stock enhancement and restrictive licensing schemes' was published in April 1999. This is a benchmark study and forms the basis for further recommendations on management of some species of crustacean shellfish in the UK. 8. Fishermen, retailers and members of the public are reminded that, if they come across a V-notched lobster within the SWSFC district at any time, they are obliged to return it to the sea - dead or alive. It is an absolute offence to possess such a lobster at any time. A Public Notice to that effect is on www.swsfc.org.uk and displayed locally. 9. The SWSFC covers the area between Cardiff and Cardigan, and is funded by seven Unitary Authorities.
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