Report on the Crab and Lobster Fisheries of England and Wales (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 Excerpt: ...all lobsters under 8 inches were prohibited, as many Norway lobsters are below this size. Is not acquainted with Norway. Was not aware that the Norwegians were contemplating prohibiting the capture of lobsters under 8 inches. If the Norwegians agreed to the 8-inch gauge, an 8-inch gauge for England would be beneficial to the public. Can make Is. a pound with large lobsters, and only 6d. a pound with small lobsters. Knows a berried hen or spawn lobster. Thinks they ought not to be taken. The spawn is generally given away. A spawn lobster ought to be left in the sea at any time of the year. Could detect the removal of the spawn if it were removed; but could not tell whether the spawn were removed artificially or shot naturally. The prohibition of the sale of spawn lobsters would stop the practice to a great extent. Lobsters are brought from Norway in boxes. Does not know whether a lobster in transit might not extrude her berries from inside to outside. Thinks that the law ought to be enforced on the coasts. Does not think it could be enforced in the markets. Notices should be posted up to warn the fishermen. The Adulteration Act is very similar to this, and is enforced against the retailer. But the general feeling in Birmingham is that the law should be enforced on the coasts. This is the feeling of the Fish Association. This is an association formed by salesmen, who meet together three or four times a year. The Association has discussed this subject, and arrived at this conclusion. They are all anxious to have the law enforced on the coasts. Does not think it would involve any very great expense. Thinks that it ought to be illegal either to take or sell any undersized crab. If Parliament make it illegal to take a 5-inch crab, it must be illegal to sell it. (...