It would appear that the demand for lobsters is likely to in- 

 crease as greater facilities arise from time to time, by railway 

 and steam extension, of getting them to markets where they 

 were formerly almost unknown, and that consequently increased 

 inducements will be held out for capturing them of every size, 

 as it appears that even the smallest meets with ready sale. We 

 are strongly of opinion that in order to maintain those fisheries 

 where no diminution has taken place in their present produc- 

 tiveness, and to restore those where production is said to have 

 diminished from over-fishing, that certain restrictions should be 

 made respecting the smallest size that should be permitted to be 

 captured. 



As regards close season : legislation on this point does not 

 appear to be of importance, as during the winter months the 

 fishing ceases altogether ; practically it may be said that the 

 lobster fishing season in Ireland is between 1st May and 30th 

 September, although in a few places the fishing begins some- 

 what earlier and continues later. 



With regard to the pea, or berried lobster, the evidence tended 

 to show that they are to be had at all times of the year, although 

 perhaps in greater abundance in the months of July and August. 



We consider that it is not necessary to interfere with the 

 summer fishing by imposing any close time during that period, 

 as, from the great uncertainty of the weather and the nature of 

 the coasts, although the fishermen would appear to have six 

 months for this fishing, yet in reality they often are unable to 

 fish during half that time. 



The fishermen almost without exception, and the buyers as 

 a body, are in favour of legislation to prevent lobsters under 

 9 inches in length, measuring from the end of the tail to the tip 

 of the beak, from being taken ; the very few who are opposed to 

 this restriction are unimportant in number and intelligence. 



We are quite of this view, as really a lobster under that size 

 is of little value, and we strongly recommend that it be made 

 illegal under a penalty for any person in any part of the United 

 Kingdom to capture, fish for, or aid or assist in taking or fishing 

 for, or to buy, sell, or expose to sole, or have in his custody or 

 possession, any lobster under the size above mentioned. 



To secure such a law being carried out, it would be necessary 

 that certain persons should be authorised and enjoined to seize 

 any lobsters found in the possession of any person under the 

 specified size, and to proceed against them for the penalties. 



It would appear to us that the proper persons in Ireland 

 should be the Inspectors of Irish fisheries, or an}' persons acting 

 under their authority, the coast guards, the constabulary and 

 police, and market officers in the various towns. 



As regards crabs, with but few exceptions, all around the coast 

 there appears to be an abundant supply, but from the difficulty 

 of conveying them alive to the principal markets, and there 

 being little local demand for them, they are not worth fishing 



