Minimum landing size of crab and lobster to go up

Aimed at boosting long-term security for industry

The minimum size of crabs and lobsters caught in Manx waters will increase from September 1 this year.

The minimum shell size for landed crabs (carapace width) will go up by 10mm to 140mm and up to 88mm for lobsters (carapace length).

Minimum lobster size will then rise again to 90mm from 1 September, 2022. 

Meanwhile, crab and lobster commercial licenses will only be issued to those who can prove they have a track record of fishing the species commercially for at least one day between 2016 and 2019.

Government says a review process is in place to deal with any appeals against decisions.

Elsewhere, changes will also be made to how recreational hobby pot licenses are handled and renewed.

An annual license for that will cost £10 from 1 July, 2022.

Officials say the brown crab fishery was worth around £1.18m to the Isle of Man in 2018 whilst the European lobster industry brought in £600,000.

Government adds the updated legislation is aimed at making sure stocks remain sustainable and boost long-term industry security.