Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw Permit
The Wash Cockle & Mussel Byelaw 2021 regulates fishing activity for cockles and mussels in an area of sea known as ‘The Wash’ in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.
Issuing Permits and Maintaining Eligibility
A permit is required to fish for cockles and mussels within The Wash. Permits can be applied for by those who fulfill the eligibility requirements detailed in the Eligibility Policy, which may be issued varied or revoked by the Authority in accordance with Schedule 5 of the byelaw. The vessel and any person fishing under the authority of the permit, including the permit holder and any nominated deputies, must be named on the permit and fishing activity must be in accordance with any permit conditions. Permit fees apply which must be paid prior to the issuing of a permit and which can be varied by the Authority in accordance with Schedule 1 of the byelaw.
Once notified by the Authority of your eligibility to hold a permit under the Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw 2021 you should complete our Application form for Eligible persons:
Application form for Eligible Persons (Word)
Application form for Eligible Persons (Pdf)
To be eligible for a permit in each year, the Authority must receive applications to maintain eligibility by 1 February each year. Please see our Permit Holder Requirements Guidance for more information on the eligibility criteria.
New applicants and the Register of Interests
Only people currently eligible to fish within the Wash cockle and mussel fisheries may be issued a permit. However, where permits become available, the Authority will contact those on the Register of Interests for a permit in the future.
Anyone wanting to be named on the Register of Interests should complete and submit the Register of Interests Application. If you are not on the Register of Interests when new permits become available, you will not be contacted to apply for a permit.
Eligibility for ‘new’ permits will be determined using the points-based system set out in section 6 the Eligibility Policy. For more information on the points systems please read our Guidance on the Register of Interests and New Permits this should be read in conjunction with the wording of section 6 of the Eligibility Policy.
For more information on the Flexible management measures and permit conditions please visit our Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw guidance page. For the full wording please read the Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw 2021.
Permit succession
A permit is not transferable from the permit holder to another person. However, permit holders may notify the Authority in writing of a person they wish to succeed them (the ‘Permit Successor’) provided that they are not under investigation for non-compliance of a relevant offence or are currently ineligible to fish as a result of a permit penalty. To name a successor to hold a permit after you please complete the Permit Successor Application Form Permit Successor Application Form.
Change of vessel and vessel ownership
A permit holder may apply to change the vessel named on a permit or change the ownership of the vessel names on the permit. A vessel is eligible to be named on a permit under this section if:
- The applicant submits a completed application form and;
- The applicant remains eligible to hold a permit under section 2 (“Issuing Permits”) as the vessel owner of this vessel and provides evidence to the satisfaction of the Authority to this effect and;
- The applicant sets out in writing how the change is required for reasons of business continuity and;
- The vessel meets all of the requirements set out in the Byelaw or associated permit conditions.
To apply for a change of vessel or vessel ownership on your permit please complete the Change of Vessel Application Form.
This is intended to be overview of guidance please read the full wording here.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns about your licence application and/or payment, please contact us by phone or email below:
Phone (during regular office hours): 01553 775321
Email: mail@eastern-ifca.gov.uk
For information about how the personal data you provide in your licence and permit application forms are used, please read our EIFCA Licences Permits Privacy notice.