IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL COMMERCIAL SHELLFISH PERMIT HOLDERS
On 4 March 2026 NEIFCA received notice that the Minister of State had formally confirmed the following new byelaw regulation:
BYELAW XXVIII Shellfish Permit Byelaw 2022
The byelaw sets out new provisions for commercial and recreational catching and taking of specified shellfish species within the Authority’s district, designed to support the sustainable management of those species. The new regulation includes two shellfish permit schemes covering the commercial and recreational fishing for, taking and retention of specified shellfish species within the NEIFCA district. The permit schemes carry a number of management provisions which must be complied with as a condition of holding a permit.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
You must apply for a new permit from us under this new scheme regardless of whether you currently hold a valid shellfish permit.
The application process will be as follows:
Applications will open on Tuesday 31st March 2026.
You must apply online via the NEIFCA portal which can be accessed via our website:
www.ne-ifca.gov.uk/commercial-shellfish-permit
You will be required to complete an application form which will include the number of pots you intend to work for the year up to a maximum of 1000 and the number of pots per fleet you work. You should not apply for more pots than you currently work because the scheme allows you to apply for additional pots in the future if you require them. In terms of your application, this will be reviewed against any previous records we hold.
Once you have successfully completed your application and it has been reviewed and processed, you will be issued with a permit which will remain valid until 31 December 2026.
You must comply with all the specified conditions attached to the permit including the number of pots allocated to your permit, pots per fleet and the number fleets. You can find the flexible permit conditions below:
Flexible Permit Conditions - Shellfish Permit Byelaw XXVIII
Please note that a condition of your permit will also include the new national lobster Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes. In 2026 this will be 88mm carapace length, in 2027, 89mm carapace length and in 2028, 90mm carapace length. These sizes must be complied with as a condition of your new permit.
In the first year all fishing gear set in accordance with your permit must be clearly marked with a visible surface marker carrying the Port Letters and Numbers of your vessel and the fleet number 1 to X. This provision will be strictly enforced, and all non-compliant fishing gear will be seized and you may be subject to further proceedings.
In this first year no charge will be levied for your permit but from the 1 January 2027 the following charges will apply:
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
For further information please contact the Authority’s main offices on 01482 393 515 or email ne-ifca@eastriding.gov.uk
