The number of commercial licences to catch spiny lobsters have been slashed this year and there will be fewer traps for inshore areas as Government seeks to save falling stocks.

Commercial fishermen can apply for licences from today until 5 p.m. on August 9.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries held meetings with fishermen after studies showed inshore catches sharply declined last year.

A Government press release said that the Marine Resources Board had urged caution to stop over-fishing.

The Minister is to issue 18 licences - down from 27 last year.

Those who have had one for the last five years will get one again. The remaining licences will be determined by a draw.

Applications will only be accepted from full-time fishermen in good standing.

For the offshore season running from September 1 to November 30 there will be 18 licences offering 15 traps each - a reduction in traps from last year.

For the inshore season from December 1 to March next year there will be 18 licences offering seven traps each - a large reduction in traps from last season.

Application forms can be picked up at the Division of Fisheries on Coney Island Road, St. George's.

A ten percent deposit for the $1,500 licences must be given. Successful applicants will be notified on August 10.

In a statement released to the press, Minister Terry Lister said sportfishermen have been granted an extension to register until the end of business on September 7, 2001 to account for lost business days from Cup Match and Labour Day.

This is different to previous years, when the licensing period was limited to the month of August.

By extending the application period, the Minister hopes to lighten the administrative crunch normally appearing around the end of August but he hoped that interested people would not wait until the last minute before applying.

Licences may be obtained from the Fisheries Division at Coney Island, where applicants must apply in person. There is a $110 fee, and photo ID must be taken.

Those licensed last year are urged by the Fisheries Department to re-license by mail by sending the license and a cheque for $110, payable to the Accountant General, to the Division of Fisheries, P.O. Box CR 52, Crawl CR BX.

Divers catch about 1,500 spiny lobsters per season. They are only allowed to use a noose, no breathing apparatus, and to remove no more than two lobsters per 24-hour period.

As this is sport lobster diving, added the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, no lobsters may be sold and divers must keep statistical records of their catches.