Ireland's Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently published an updated Fisheries Information Notice (FIN) titled "Non-Commercial Pot Fishing in Ireland."
National legislation is in place in Ireland to control non-commercial pot fishing for lobster and crab by all recreational fishing vessels within the internal waters or territorial seas of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.
Non-commercial fishing carried out by recreational vessels may only take place if there is no intention or attempt to sell or offer for reward the caught fishery products – the catch may only be for personal consumption.
The FIN aims to bring awareness to recreational fishers of their regulatory obligations in respect of non-commercial pot fishing. The FIN covers key areas including: the closed season for all relevant crab species and lobster; V-notched and mutilated lobster; daily catch allowance, pot limit and storage; and marker buoys and ropes.
The SFPA said it will support compliance with both new and existing legislation and is available to provide guidance.
For assistance or further details on the FIN, interested individuals may contact the SFPA via sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie.