national news
Members Support for Fishers Ahead of Defra’s New Requirements Lobster MCRS Increases Defra has confirmed the timetable for the phased increase to the Lobster Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) as part of the short-term measures in the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan. The MCRS will rise incrementally to 90 mm over the next three years, with changes taking effect on 1st March 2026 then again in January 2027 and January 2028. To help commercial fishers prepare for the first increase, NIFCA has supplied new shellfish measuring gauges to all commercial permit holders. Following strong demand, both from commercial fishers requesting additional gauges and from recreational fishers wishing to adopt the new size, NIFCA has arranged for further gauges to be manufactured and made available. A new order of gauges will be placed later in 2026, ensuring fishers are fully equipped ahead of the next increase to 89 mm in January 2027. The Authority will continue to support the industry through the transition and provide updates as further measures from the Fisheries Management Plan are implemented. To ensure fairness for fishers throughout the district, NIFCA Members voted in April to introduce an additional commercial permit condition to the Crustacea and Molluscs Permitting and Pot Limitation byelaw to prohibit retaining and carry lobsters below 88mm MCRS. This decision was made following consultation with stakeholders, and will enable IFCOs to enforce the current national measures which has been introduced using a vessel licence condition. It also aims to address potential cross border impacts with the lobster MCRS in Scottish waters remaining at 87mm.
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