New restrictions on brown crab fishing will come into force in the North Sea warns the Danish Fisheries Agency
The EU will bring into force new restrictions on brown crab fishing in the North Sea, warns the Danish Fishery Agency.
From the North Sea, a maximum of 75 kg of removed crab claws or 1 percent by weight of the total catch may be landed.
In the technical regulation (Regulation no. 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Annex V, Part A) it is established that: “For brown crab caught in nets and baskets, no more than 1 percent by weight of the total catch of brown crab may consist of removed claws. For brown crab caught with other gear, a maximum of 75 kg of removed crab claws may be landed”. The provision currently ONLY applies to the capture of brown crab in the North Sea. From 1 May 2023, the EU rule will be enforced, and the Danish Fisheries Agency will sanction violations.
On the basis of the above regulation, there will be a change to the previous practice, where it has been accepted that more than 75 kg of removed crab claws from brown crab or more than 1% by weight of the total catch in nets and baskets are landed.
A transitional period until 30 April 2023 is set.
The transition period is determined in order to ensure information to the fishing industry about changes in practice in the area.
This means that from 1 May 2023 the EU rule will be enforced, and the Danish Fisheries Agency will sanction a breach of the rule.
When catching more than 75 kg of removed crab claws or 1 percent by weight of the total catch, the brown crab can be brought along and landed intact.
The Danish Fisheries Agency say it is aware of and understands that many fishermen have had a significant financial income from fishing for crab claws from brown crab. However, the EU rule is clear, and the Danish Fisheries Agency must therefore enforce the rule.