Mobile Gear Byelaw – Call for Information
North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NEIFCA) is currently considering the development of a new Mobile Fishing Gear Byelaw. The proposed byelaw would replace the following existing byelaws:
* III Trawling Byelaw 1956
* XXVI Flamborough Head Fishing Byelaw 2014
* XXIII Method and Area of Fishing (Scallop Dredges) Byelaw 2015
* XXXIII Beam Trawling Byelaw 2024
The primary aim of introducing a new byelaw is to simplify the current legislative framework, improve clarity for stakeholders, and update byelaws that are no longer reflective of modern fishing practices or contemporary environmental management requirements.
The proposed approach would introduce a single, consolidated byelaw supported by flexible permit conditions. This would enable NEIFCA to respond more effectively and proportionately to emerging evidence, environmental pressures, and changes in fishing activity. Given that the dynamic nature of the marine environment and potential challenges due to climate change, the use of flexible permit conditions would allow appropriate management measures to be implemented or amended in a time efficient manner where necessary to protect stocks, the fishing industry and sensitive habitats.
Your view is important to us and NEIFCA is inviting you to have your say and share your views.
This consultation is an informal consultation. The responses received will be used to help shape the development of a proposed Mobile Fishing Gear Byelaw and to inform the content of any future formal consultation.
All feedback provided will be considered by the Authority before deciding whether and how to progress to a formal consultation stage.
You can complete our questionnaire online or download a printable version and send it either by email to ne-ifca@eastriding.gov.uk or post it to:
NEIFCA
Town Hall
Bridlington
YO16 4LP
