Lobster MCRS increase reminder

Reminder that the new national minimum conservation reference size (MCRS), for European lobster (Homarus gammarus) has increased from 1 March 2026 to 88mm.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Defra are introducing a 3mm MCRS increase from 87mm to 90mm over 3 years, with a 1mm increase per year), for European lobster (Homarus gammarus), as committed in the 2023 crab and lobster fisheries management plan.

The phased approach follows feedback from fishermen, IFCAs, Cefas, and scientific advisory. The increases will occur as follows:

• 88mm – 1 March 2026
• 89mm – January 2027
• 90mm – January 2028

To find out more about the MCRS increase please click here: Lobster size rules are changing – here’s what you need to know – Fisheries Management Plans