Lobster

The lobster stock in the Oosterschelde is stable. The species is not being overfishedOverfished:
A stock is overfished when the stock size has decreased so far that it can no longer produce a maximum sustainable yield. The size of the fish populations is insufficient to reproduce in the long term.  in this area and the population has increased since the construction of Neeltje Jans. Lobsters are vulnerable to fishing pressureFishing pressure:
Fishing pressure is a result of the fishing effort/amount of fishing on a stock, which determines the fishing mortality. Fishing mortality is the share of the fish stock that dies annually as a result of fishing., as they have a slow growth rate and only reach sexual maturity in a later stage of life.

The main catching methods in the Oosterschelde are fyke nets, traps and cagesCages:
A cultivation technique with open cages in the sea, lake or river. They are anchored to the bottom and are standing in places sheltered for storm and high waves. Most salmon is grown in this type of culture system. Because the cages are in open connection with the surrounding water, the impact on the environment is high.. These methods are selective and cause little damage to the environment. Since 2015 it is allowed for lobster fishers to use cages, next to fyke nets and traps. Cages are less susceptible to damage by crabs.

The management of the Oosterschelde is reasonably effective and consists of permits and a restricted fishing season. UndersizedUndersized fish:
Fish smaller than a prescribed minimum size. These sizes are determined per species and per country. For Europe, a minimum landing size applies to all EU Member States.  and egg-carrying lobsters are released back into the water and a foundation has been set up to provide the Zeeland lobster with an eco-label. The maximum amount of fishing gear per fisherman will not change or increase.  The government has planned to decrease the number of permits, but this has not happened yet.

Fish in season 

Fish is in season when the spawning period has ended, as the quality is then at its best.

The most important fishing grounds of lobster are heavily exploited. The lobster stock is considered to be overfishedOverfished:
A stock is overfished when the stock size has decreased so far that it can no longer produce a maximum sustainable yield. The size of the fish populations is insufficient to reproduce in the long term. , without signs of recovery. Lobsters are vulnerable to fishing pressureFishing pressure:
Fishing pressure is a result of the fishing effort/amount of fishing on a stock, which determines the fishing mortality. Fishing mortality is the share of the fish stock that dies annually as a result of fishing., as they have a slow growth rate and only reach sexual maturity in a later stage of life.

Lobsters are mainly caught with cagesCages:
A cultivation technique with open cages in the sea, lake or river. They are anchored to the bottom and are standing in places sheltered for storm and high waves. Most salmon is grown in this type of culture system. Because the cages are in open connection with the surrounding water, the impact on the environment is high.. This fishing method is selective and causes little damage to the environment.

Some management strategies have been put in place, like the releasing of female lobsters carrying eggs. However, the effect of these measures are unknown, as there is no evidence that the stock is recovering.

Fish in season 

Fish is in season when the spawning period has ended, as the quality is then at its best.