Hobby crab and lobster potting

All recreational potters must hold a recreational licence to fish for crab and lobster issued by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. The recreational crab and lobster licence fee is £30.

Recreational Licences to Fish for Lobster and Crab were due to expire on 31 December 2018, but the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations 2018, passed by Tynwald in October, has extended the validity of these licences until midnight on 31 December 2019.

Catch returns must be completed and returned on an annual basis, or on a monthly basis if fishing in Baie Ny Carrickey, Port St Mary.

Non-commercial fishing for crab and lobster is governed by regulations.

Please refer to the crab and lobster information leaflet for guidance on the measures that apply for this fishing activity.

Applying and paying for a licence

An application for a recreational licence to fish for crab and lobster is available to download on this page. Once completed the application form should be returned, along with payment by cheque, to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s Fisheries Directorate. Payment can also be made by card over the phone, or by card/cash if paying in person at our offices in St John’s.