asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if in order to preserve the industry he will now prohibit the catching of berry lobsters and thus bring the law into line with that in Great Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Catching of Berry Lobsters.
9.
I am quite satisfied, on the advice of the scientific officers of my Department, that our present method of conserving our valuable lobster stocks by prohibiting the taking of lobsters less than a prescribed size is sufficiently effective and that there is no need to prohibit the taking of berried lobsters.
I should add that since 1st July last the ban in the United Kingdom on the landing and selling of berried lobsters has been lifted and a minimum size requirement retained.
How many other countries in Europe apply the ban to berried lobsters?
I could not say. I can tell the Deputy that instead of following them, they are following us.
I understand that Great Britain is the only country now that does not allow berried lobsters.