(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order prescribes a minimum size for the landing of male spider crabs (Maia squinado) in England (article 3(1)). There is an exemption from the minimum landing size for the landing of spider crabs from foreign fishing boats (article 3(2)).
The Order also gives British sea-fishery officers further enforcement powers in relation to British fishing boats (article 4).
Offences and penalties are prescribed respectively by section 1(7) and (8) and section 11 of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53).
This Order is made in reliance on the power conferred on Member States by Article 46.1 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 (OJ No. L125, 27.04.98, p.1), for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms, which authorises Member States to take certain national measures for the conservation and management of stocks.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Sea Fisheries Conservation Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Room 421d, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.