AMATEUR lobster fishermen can be active on the reefs and waters of the South East for only a few more days.
Meanwhile, many of the 165-strong professional fleet have long ago headed for dry dock as the skippers have caught their allocated quota.
The 2017/18 season for both sectors started almost eight months ago on October 1 and ends on May 31.
In a season of good catch rates, favourable weather and strong prices, professional lobster fishermen have occasionally been rewarded with prices in excess of $80/kg.
One licence holder told The Border Watch he was happy with his returns although the average had dipped compared to a year ago.
The quota was set at 1290 tonnes last winter and the figure has not changed for several seasons.
