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Fishing & Permits

Fisheries patrol boat docked in marina, with NIFCA officers on deck.

Compliance

Conservation

North Shields Fish Quay with boats docked and blue skies.

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› Fishing Permits

Fishing & Permits

Fishing within the Northumberland IFCA district is subject to permit requirements designed to protect marine resources and ensure fair, sustainable access.

Legal, permitted fishing ensures sustainable, healthy waters

Whether you fish commercially or recreationally, you may require a valid permit to operate within six nautical miles of the coast. Permits help us manage fishing effort, protect sensitive habitats and maintain a level playing field for all who use our inshore waters.

Permits are not simply administrative requirements. They are a key tool in managing fishing activity within the district, helping us monitor effort, protect sensitive habitats and ensure that marine resources are harvested sustainably and fairly. They allow us to:

  • Monitor fishing effort
  • Protect Marine Protected Areas
  • Manage stock levels responsibly
  • Apply regulations fairly across sectors
  • Support long-term viability of fisheries

By holding the correct permit, you help protect the region’s marine environment and ensure sustainable access for future generations.

Commercial fishing permits

To fish commercially within the NIFCA district, you must hold a valid NIFCA commercial fishing permit. This permit is a formal agreement to operate within our district-specific byelaws and technical conservation measures.

By holding a permit, vessel owners and skippers commit to sustainable practices, including gear restrictions and mandatory catch reporting. These requirements are monitored through shore inspections and at-sea boarding by our enforcement team.

Important: renewals only

This online form is for the renewal of existing Commercial Shellfish Permits only. If you wish to apply for a new permit, you must contact NIFCA directly. Please email nifca@nifca.gov.uk or call 01670 797 676 to request a new application.

Apply or renew your Commercial Shellfish permit

Potting for mollusc and crustacea

Vessels must not exceed 12 metres in overall length. The permit holder must also possess a valid MMO fishing licence with a shellfish entitlement.

£180 per annum

January-December

Application form

Apply online

Renew online

Apply or renew your Commercial Trawl permit

Specific vessel length requirements apply based on the area of operation:

  • 0-3nm: Vessels must be below 12m in overall length
  • 3-6nm: Vessels must be below 18.3m in overall length

MCZ exemption: Trawling in the Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ requires a specific exemption for the current year. Please contact us directly to arrange this.

£50 per annum

January-December

Application form

Apply online

Renew online

Recreational permits

The North Tyneside and Northumberland coastline is a popular destination for recreational fishing activity. You must have a recreational permit if you plan to use pots, creels or traps in the district. You will receive five tags and five escape gaps with your permit – specific daily limits apply to protect local stocks. Sea angling and hand-gathering are also enjoyed along the coast, but do not require a permit from NIFCA.

Important note

Even with a permit, a recreational permit holder may not take more than two lobsters, five edible or velvet crabs, 20 whelks, or five prawns in any one day.

Apply or renew your Recreational Shellfish permit

Potting for mollusc and crustacea

If you wish to use pots, creels, or traps, a recreational permit is mandatory.

  • Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 16 and over
  • Cost & validity: £10 per annum (January to December)
  • Gear limits: You may use a maximum of 5 pots per permit holder

All pots must be fitted with an official NIFCA recreational tag and a standard escape gap. All gear must be clearly marked with the owner’s details.

£10 per annum

January–December

Application form

Renew online

Also in Fishing Permits:

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Fishing & Permits

If you fish, work or carry out research within the NIFCA district, you may need a permit.

Fisher Guidance

We provide essential resources for both commercial and recreational fishers. Access the latest notices to mariners, Kingfisher Restrictions, and stay informed on local Fisher Forums.

Fisher Forums

Explore how our Fisher Forums bring the commercial fishing community together to share feedback.

Sea Angling

NIFCA proactively supports a sustainable and thriving recreational angling community across our diverse coastline.

Dispensations

NIFCA may grant a byelaw dispensation for specific activities such as scientific research, gear trials, or operational necessity.