NOTICE OF CHANGES TO COMMERCIAL SHELLFISH CONDITIONS 2027.
BYELAW XXVIII Shellfish Permit Byelaw 2022
On 4 March 2026 the Minister of State formally confirmed the above fisheries byelaw regulation.
The byelaw set out new provisions for commercial and recreational catching and taking of specified shellfish species, designed to support the sustainable management of those species. Under the byelaw two new shellfish permit schemes were established covering the commercial and recreational fishing for, taking and retention of specified shellfish species within the NEIFCA district.
Each permit scheme carries a number mandatory ‘Flexible Permit Conditions’ which much be complied with by the permit holder. These conditions can be reviewed and varied in accordance with the procedures set out within the byelaw.
In advance of the commencement of the new commercial fishing year on 1 January 2027 the following changes to the Flexible Permit Conditions will apply:
You are no longer required to declare the number of fleets and the number of pots per fleet that you intend to work.
You are no longer required to sequential mark the fleet number on all surface markers. (Please note it remains a mandatory requirement to mark fishing or permit numbers on all surface markers). You should consult separate guidance on the marking of fishing gear.
Every pot must carry a tag, issued by NEIFCA. The tag is specific to the vessel and permit holder. You will receive an allocation of tags up to the maximum number of pots that you have applied for, which is 1000 per vessel. It is recommended that you attach this tag to the parlour or bridle wall of the pot. This should ensure maximum visibility and reduce the risk of damage to the tag during active fishing operations.
You must not fish for specified shellfish species using pots, with tags attached, that have been issued to another Commercial Permit holder except under written permission of the Authority.
Pots intended to catch whelk, which meet the specification detailed within the permit conditions, can be set without escape gaps or tags attached. In addition to carrying vessel Port Letters and numbers (PLN) or permit numbers, you must ensure that all surface markers, associated with whelk pots, carry the letter ‘W’.
From 1 January 2027, in line with national changes in commercial fishing licence conditions, you must ensure that all lobsters caught and retained exceed the new lobster, Minimum Conservation Reference size of 89mm.
Please also note that as previously advised, from the 1 January 2027, the following charges apply for Commercial Shellfish Permits issued for the NEIFCA district:
Applications up to 250 pots - £50 per annum
Applications up to 500 pots - £150 per annum
Applications up to 750 pots - £250 per annum
Applications up to 1000 pots - £350 per annum
You must ensure that payment of such fees have been received by NEIFCA otherwise your permit may not be issued and you cannot actively fish.
If you have any queries or questions relating to the above changes, please email NEIFCA at:
ne-ifca@eastriding.gov.uk
