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Lobster size rules are changing – here’s what you need to know

Posted by: Shellfish FMP policy team, Defra, Posted on: 11 December 2025 - Categories: - Defra led FMPs, Implementation
Common lobster (Homarus gammarus)

The lobster MCRS will increase to 90mm in the South West in March 2026 and phased in at 1mm/year in the rest of English waters.

Read more of Lobster size rules are changing – here’s what you need to know

Minimum brown crab size backed by South West fishermen

Posted by: Fisheries Management Team, Marine Management Organisation, Posted on: 11 December 2025 - Categories: Implementation
Edible crab (Cancer pagurus) on circalittoral rock at Newquay & the Gannel MCZ.

The minimum size will be changing on 1 February 2026 to protect stocks and make fishing clearer and fairer across the region.

Read more of Minimum brown crab size backed by South West fishermen

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Defra FMP consultations open

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(Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal and pelagic FMPs, seabream FMP and wrasses FMP)

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