Byelaw 3: Molluscan shellfish methods of fishing

Guidance

Fishing for molluscs (i.e. oysters, mussels, cockles, clams, scallops or queens) using a fishing gear (e.g. a mussel dredge) requires authorisation from Eastern IFCA.

To request authorisation from Eastern IFCA to use such fishing gear please write to Eastern IFCA explaining your intention including; where you wish to fish, what species you will be targeting and when you intend to go fishing.

Eastern IFCA will consider the potential for damage to the environment.  Authorisation may not be given if the potential for damage to the environment is high – we will also request advice from Natural England if the activity is planned to occur within a Marine Protected Area.

Byelaw

‘No person shall fish for oysters, mussels, cockles, clams, scallops or queens except :

  • by hand ; or
  • with a hand rake ; or
  • within that part of the District contained within the boundaries of the Wash

Fishery Order 1992, under the provisions of a licence issued under the said Order ; or

  • With an instrument or fishing gear under the authority of a certificate of approval issued by the Committee signed by their Clerk for the instrument or fishing gear.

A certificate of approval shall be available to all applicants who fulfil the conditions of this byelaw.

A certificate of approval will not be granted if the instrument or fishing gear results in more than 10% by weight of the target species being smashed.

A certificate of approval will not be granted if the Committee has been advised by scientists who appear to them to be suitably qualified that the use of the instrument or fishing gear would result in unacceptable damage to associated flora and fauna in the benthic community.

The certificate of approval will be valid until 31 December following.

Approval will take account of the performance and assessment during inspection of the instrument or fishing gear whilst in operation, or that of a similar design, during the preceding 12 months. New instruments or fishing gear may be given a provisional certificate of approval for a period of one month in order to permit assessment.

design sprint agency