A huge 8 1/2lb lobster has been 'V-notched' and returned to the sea in Port St Mary. 

The monster, which, unusually, was male, had been caught by Port St Mary fisherman Christian Clugston, who was reluctant to see such a magnificent animal end up in a cooking pot.

Instead, the lobster was kept in the vivier tanks at Robinson’s at Ballapaddag, whilst members of the public entered a competition to name it.

Mr Ray Teare of Port St Mary, who also used to be a fisherman, was the lucky winner of the competition, naming the Lobster 'Barnacle Bill'.

On Port St Mary's Marine Day (Sunday 5th July), Mr Teare was taken out on the fisheries patrol vessel Enbarr during Marine Day and, after V-notching the lobster, released it onto the reef from where it had been caught.

Commenting on the release, Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for DAFF said 'DAFF has in place a number of measures, such as pot limitations, a ban on landing berried lobsters and V-notching, that should ensure our lobster population, and the fishery it supports, is sustainable.

'The capture of such a large lobster, so close to a fishing port, indicates that these conservation measures are working.

'My Department is reviewing these measures, and, in conjunction with the industry, expects to strengthen the legislation protecting the fishery in the coming months.

'The Department would like to thanks Robinson’s for their support in ensuring that Barnacle Bill was returned to the sea.'

'A lobster of this size is very hard to age, but I am told he is likely to be at least 15  years old.

'Bill was clearly in very good condition and, given his size, is unlikely to be troubled by predators on his return to the sea.

'Lobsters can live for as long as 40 years, so he can look forward to more happy years on the reef he calls home.'

Pictured: Chief fisheries officer Colin Eastwood  and Mr Teare prepare to return Barnacle Bill to the sea