Louth fisherman helps safeguard future of Ireland’s lobster stocks

Louth fisherman Tomas Whelan is one of 240 fishers around Ireland participating in BIM’s Lobster V-Notching Scheme aimed at protecting breeding female lobsters and sustaining stocks.

Tomas is a familiar sight aboard his vessel and in his mobile sales van at Clogherhead Harbour, where he sells fresh fish and wild lobster.

“There is huge potential for lobster in Ireland. There is an assumption it is an expensive fish and a fish for the elite but that is not the case. I don’t think Irish people appreciate lobster as much as foreigners do. A lot of my customers are not Irish. They are people who have moved and are working here, and there is steady demand,” he said.

More than 60,000 lobsters with a combined weight of almost 39 tonnes were returned to Irish waters under a BIM conservation programme last year – the highest number since the introduction of legislation to protect these lobsters 30 years ago.

V-notching involves cutting a small v-shaped mark into a female lobster’s tail flap before returning it to sea. The mark identifies it as legally protected from landing or sale, giving it the opportunity to breed again.

Tomas has v-notched over 400 lobsters weighing 225 kilograms so far this season. Fishing with three others from his vessel, D’Ark, he said the scheme is welcome to protect the species.

“I only started lobster fishing a few years ago. Up to then I was fishing all my life for prawns and mackerel. But I decided to buy a smaller boat for lobster fishing and I am loving it.”

The number of lobsters notched in 2025 is equivalent to 6.5% of total lobster landings based on the average annual catch of 600 tonnes. As a result, an additional 450 million eggs can hatch into baby lobsters, based on each v-notched lobster getting to spawn three times after being v-notched.

Delivered by BIM regional officers in collaboration with fishers, the scheme puts conservation directly into the hands of those working at sea. It is funded under Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

BIM Fisheries Development Manager, Dr Ian Lawler, said: “Every female lobster returned to sea is an investment in the future. V-notching is a practical measure that allows fishers to protect breeding stocks while supporting their livelihoods.”

He added: “The commitment of fishers around the coast is central to its success. They know that healthy lobster stocks mean a stronger future for their businesses. It is great to see demand for the scheme grow annually.”

Dr Lawler said the scheme provides up to 100% of the market price of each lobster v-notched. The scheme is open to owners of fishing vessels less than, or equal to, 15m in length and on the Irish Register of Fishing Boats.

It is strictly illegal to land, transport, possess, or sell a V-notched lobster. The V-notch lasts through roughly three moults (up to six years), allowing the lobster to spawn multiple times.

The 2026 V-notching scheme looks set to match last year’s record with total grants for 2026 approaching last year’s figure of around €800,000.