The Marine Management Organisation has published new statutory guidance on berried lobsters and crawfish – i.e. those carrying eggs. The guidance states that from 1 October 2017 vessels registered in the UK must not fish for berried lobsters (Homarus gammarus) or crawfish (Palinurus elephas and Palinurus mauritanicus) within English waters and must not land lobsters or crawfish at English ports regardless of where the lobsters or crawfish were caught. Furthermore any berried lobsters or crawfish brought on board a vessel within English waters must be returned to the sea immediately.
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