
1 
These Regulations may be cited as the Edible Crabs (Conservation) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and shall come into operation on 10th February 2023.
2 

(1) The Edible Crabs (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 are amended as follows.
(2) In regulation 2 (Interpretation) after the definition of size insert—
 ““soft-shelled edible crab” means an edible crab which has recently cast its shell;”
(3) In regulation 3—
(a) In paragraph (1) for “140mm” substitute “150mm”.
(b) In paragraph (2) for “140mm” substitute “150mm”.
(4) After paragraph 4A insert—“
4B. 

(1) The retention on board a sea-fishing boat, the bringing to land, the landing, having in possession, selling, exposing for sale, buying for sale, or consigning to any person for the purpose of sale, of a soft-shelled edible crab is prohibited.
(2) Where a soft-shelled edible crab is brought on board a sea-fishing boat, it must be immediately returned to sea, as near as possible to the place from which it was taken.”
(5) In regulation 5(1) for “3 and 4” substitute “3,4,4A and 4B”.
(6) In regulation 5(2) for “3 and 4” substitute “3,4,4A and 4B”.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on 17th January 2023.
Owen Lyttle
A senior officer of the
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
