ANNEX A

Dear Consultee

I am writing to consult you about a proposal to increase the minimum landing size (MLS) of lobsters from 87 mm to 90 mm.

As you will know, Defra consulted in 2005 on whether the landing of berried lobsters should be prohibited. The responses indicated that there would be significant difficulties with compliance and enforcement of a ban and scientific advice indicated that an increase in the minimum landing size would achieve similar outcomes in terms of conservation benefits.

Mr Bradshaw concluded that an increase in the minimum landing size may be a more effective conservation measure for lobsters and announced his decision in May to consult on an increase in the minimum landing size from 87mm to 90mm.

This consultation proposes to increase the minimum landing size of lobsters from 87mm to 90mm carapace length (CL) and asks for views as to whether this should be in one stage or incremental steps. It also asks for views on additional measures such as setting a maximum landing size. I enclose a copy of a draft Statutory Instrument and combined consultation paper and partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), which we welcome your comments on.

It would be helpful if you could provide practical examples, data or personal evidence in support of your comments, where possible, as this will help us understand better the impacts of the measures on individual businesses and the fishing community.

The closing date for sending responses in is Friday 17 November 2006. Please send any comments to Patrick Cotter, Defra, Area 7A, 3-8, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HH, or e-mail: lobstermls@defra.gsi.gov.uk

In line with Defra's policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period, copies of the responses we receive may be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL. The information they contain may also be published in a summary of responses. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.

The Information Resource Centre will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, e-mail: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk). Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hours' notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.

If you have any complaints about the way in which the consultation process has been run, you should direct them to Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR or e-mail: consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Yours faithfully

Sackey Bennin

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