You must have a licence when using pots to fish recreationally for crabs and lobsters, DEFA is warning.

The announcement was made after fisheries’ enforcement officers saw an increase in the number of unmarked pots being seized.

A total of 10 unlicensed pots were retrieved by officers from areas including Douglas harbour, Langness and Pooil Vaaish.

Hobby pots used in Manx waters must be attached to a float or marker and labelled with the owner’s licence number.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’Anyone wishing to fish recreationally using pots must apply for a licence, which has a number of conditions attached.

’Our sea fisheries unit monitors this activity closely and anyone caught without a license could face a maximum fine of £2000.’

So far this year the Manx government has processed 185 recreational potting licences.

However, this is under review as part of the ongoing consultation around the industry.

The licence costs £30 per year.

It allows the use of up to five pots by an individual for non-commercial fishing in Manx territorial waters.

Recreational potters cannot sell their catch and must follow government guidelines, which set out daily catch limits and measures to protect young stock.

This includes the need for each pot to have escape gaps for undersize crabs and lobsters.

The licence allows an individual to land five crabs and two lobsters a day with a maximum of seven lobsters a week.

The Minister added: ’Hobby potting is a pleasurable experience with many benefits.

’It allows locals to enjoy the outdoors, parents to teach their children about the marine environment and provides fresh local produce for the table.’

If you have concerns about unlicensed or washed up pots, you can contact DEFA’s fisheries team by emailing [email protected] or phone 685837.