lobster can be even more expensive in court than in Bermuda's restaurants.

Neville Zuill had been diving for lobsters off Ferry Reach, St. George's, to provide a birthday meal for his wife -- and it ultimately cost him $100.

He was spotted by a Fisheries' warden as he used a lobster noose to catch one of two found in his boat.

Zuill, 28, of Knapton Hill Road, Smith's, pleaded guilty to charges of taking lobsters without a licence in a restricted area and carrying the lobster noose, an illegal method of catching lobsters.

Prosecuting, Crown Counsel Mr. Mark Pettingill said that the offence occurred on Saturday, November 14, at around 3 p.m. When he was caught by the Fisheries' officer, Zuill was reported as saying: "Give me a break. It's my wife's birthday.'' Mr. Pettingill said that the two lobsters were later released by an Aquarium official.

Zuill claimed that he had only caught one lobster on the noose and one other using a hand line.

Mr. Pettingill pointed out that catching lobster using a hand line was also illegal.

Stating that he dived a lot, Zuill then accused people with licences of pulling young lobsters out of holes and "taking off their heads before they are ready''.

Senior Magistrate, the Wor. Will Francis said: "You also see people speeding along the roads but some do not get caught. The fact that you see somebody diving into a hole and taking a lobster illegally does not justify you taking them illegally.

"The law is the law and it's there for a purpose, to protect lobsters and fish around here so they do not become overfished, as they are in other countries where there are few remaining.'' Zuill replied: "I have seen millions of lobsters. I do not know who makes the laws. They are obviously not divers. I was just fishing for my wife's birthday.'' Mr. Francis fined him $100.