Amendment of the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing and Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 19892.

(1)

The Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing and Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 19892 is amended as follows.

(2)

In article 2 (interpretation)–

(a)

before the definition of “sea fish” insert–

““a parlour creel” means a basket, small cage, pot, receptacle or container covered by netting which may be baited and is placed on the seabed for the purpose of catching shellfish and which has at least two compartments, entry to one or more of which is likely to be gained only through an internal connection from another compartment;”; and

(b)

after the definition of “single trawl”3 insert–

““size”, in relation to a lobster, means the length of the carapace parallel to the midline, from the back of either eye socket to the distal edge of the carapace;”.

(3)

After article 5 insert–

“Prohibition of fishing for sea fish with parlour creels5A.

Fishing for any species of sea fish with a parlour creel which has a mesh size of less than 60 millimetres is prohibited.”.

(4)

After article 7 insert–

“Prohibition of fishing for lobsters8.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2) below, fishing for lobsters (Homarus gammarus) within Scottish inshore waters is prohibited.

(2)

The prohibition in paragraph (1) above shall not apply to male lobsters of 87 millimetres or more in size or to female lobsters between 87 millimetres and 155 millimetres, inclusive, in size.”4.

(5)

In Schedule 2 (prohibition of creel fishing) after item 35 insert item 4 as set out in the Schedule to this Order.