Leave our Lobsters

In response to concerns for Dorset’s shellfish population, conservationists are calling on divers to take care when collecting marine animals. A new Divers’ Shellfish Code is being launched at the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve  this summer as part of the Selfish Shellfish Divers Project.

Ecosystems at risk

Dorset Wildlife Trust is concerned that some divers are collecting large numbers of the marine animals, putting the wildlife communities of some of Europe’s most important reefs at risk. Divers who take too many lobsters, crabs and scallops could be depriving others in their sport of the chance to see these magnificent creatures alive in the wild. Animals such as wrasse, conger eels, cuttlefish, rays and sharks depend on shellfish for food so there is a knock-on effect when numbers are reduced.

Julie Hatcher, Marine Awareness Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We are worried about the sizes and numbers of shellfish, especially scallops and lobsters, which are being taken by recreational divers. While taking a plateful for their dinner might not be a problem, collecting enough to fill their freezer and feed the whole street is clearly not acceptable.”

Divers encouraged to collect responsibly

The area between Portland and Swanage is recognised for its diverse rocky reefs and ledges, and shellfish are a major component of reef wildlife communities. Removal of too many and of undersized animals could affect the structure of these marine ecosystems and leave more responsible divers with less to see. The Divers’ Shellfish Code will be distributed free from the slipway at Kimmeridge Bay throughout this summer. Following the code should help ensure there will always be plenty of shellfish around for divers to see.

Julie added: “Britain’s marine life is some of the most interesting and diverse in the world. Scuba divers are among the privileged few who get the chance to see it first hand in all its glory, but there are a few individuals who risk spoiling it for everyone by being greedy. Lobsters and scallops may be tasty ­ but they’re even better seen alive on the seabed!”

Divers’ Shellfish Code:

• Limit your catch. Act responsibly by only taking enough for one meal, not enough to fill your freezer.
• Size does matter. Be aware of the legal minimum catch sizes and please only take animals well above the legal size limit.
• It is illegal to sell your catch unless you hold a commercial fishing licence.
• It is illegal to take lobsters carrying eggs or if they have a ‘V’ notch in their tail; it is sensible to leave all breeding animals alone. Larger individuals produce more offspring, so leave any really big shellfish that you see.

Get your free copy...

Contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044 for your free, waterproof code including legal minimum catch sizes.  Alternatively, visit the Selfish Shellfish Divers Project page ouf our website, where you can download a copy of the divers' guide, by clicking here,

Find out more...

 Click here to find out how Dorset Wildlife Trust is supporting marine conservation.
Keep up with the latest news from the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve! Click here to subscribe to the Kimmeridge Tidings newsletter.
Aged 13-15? Interested in marine conservation?  Our Surf n' Turf events could be for you!  Click here  to search for upcoming ents.