Explanatory note

This Order, which applies to Great Britain, prescribes a minimum size for the landing of velvet crabs. There is an exemption from the minimum landing size for the landing of crabs from foreign fishing boats.

The Order also prescribes a minimum size for the sale of velvet crabs and for the carriage of velvet crabs on a British fishing boat. There is an exemption from the minimum sale size for velvet crabs which are landed from foreign fishing boats.

The Order gives British sea-fishery officers further enforcement powers in relation to fishing boats. They already have powers under section 15(2) of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 to seize any fish in respect of which an offence has been or is being committed under section 1(3) of that Act.