Minimum Sizes
Minimum sizes
The tables below indicate the minimum sizes for fish and shellfish. All fish below these sizes must be returned immediately to the sea.
A printable version of this information can be downloaded by clicking here:
Minimum Fish Sizes
Minimum Shellfish Sizes
Please note – European bass measures are in place. Please click here for more information.
Table 1. finfish minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size |
| Bass | 42cm |
| Cod | 35cm |
| Haddock | 30cm |
| Herring | 20cm |
| Horse Mackerel | 15cm |
| Mackerel (North Sea) | 30cm |
| Mackerel (Other areas) | 20cm |
| Sole | 24cm |
| Plaice | 27cm |
| Whiting | 27cm |
Table 2. Shellfish minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | Measurement type |
| Edible Crab | 115mm | Width the carapace (figure 1) |
| Lobster | 87mm | Length of carapace (figure 2) |
| Mussels (outside of the Wash) | 50mm | Length of Shell (figure 3) |
| Razor Clams | 100mm | Length of Shell (figure 3) |
| Surf clam | 25mm | Length of Shell (figure 3) |
| Velvet Crab | 65mm | Width of carapace (figure 1) |
| Whelks (caught inside the district) | 55mm | Length of Shell (figure 3) |
| Whelks (caught outside the district) | 45mm | Length of Shell (figure 3) |
Figure 1. Measurement of the width of an edible crab
Figure 2. Measurement of the carapace of a lobster
Figure 3. measurement of the length of the shell (i.e. at the longest part)
