Wash Mussel Fishery Update

Permit conditions for the 2026 Mussel Fishery have been revised under the urgent provisions in the Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw 2021 and come into effect at 2359hrs on 31 July 2026. Key updates include:

– Opening of additional mussel beds where 2025 surveys identified sufficient stock for harvesting and relaying fisheries, increasing fishing opportunities for permit holders.

– Temporary closures to protect high risk seal haul out sites on the North and South Mare Tail beds to the hand-worked fishery have been introduced to protect harbour seals and support the conservation objectives of The Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC.

– A requirement for Vessel Monitoring Systems to be onboard vessels to assist with monitoring of activities and to support compliance with closed and open areas.

For more information and for the revised permit conditions, please visit the 2026 Wash Mussel Fishery page.