Recreational fishing and shore gathering occurs on a daily basis all along the Northumberland coastline. Rod angling is popular from the rocky shore, beaches and piers of the district depending on the species being sought and the time of year, with codling, coley mackerel and various flat fish being popular catches. Shore gathering by hand or using pots is a popular and rewarding activity on the rocky intertidal areas of Northumberland. Lobster, edible crab and periwinkle can be found in many accessible areas and be collected for personal consumption. Minimum conservation reference sizes, and other species specific prohibitions are enforced in the NIFCA district, these can be found on our byelaw page.
Periwinkle Code of Conduct
NIFCA has implemented a Code of Conduct for periwinkle gatherers. Care should be taken by all gatherers to minimise any adverse environmental impacts of their activity. Collection of periwinkles by hand can involve turning rocks which, if not put back, can damage, or kill other life living on or under the rocks. All rocks moved should be replaced carefully.
Periwinkle below the minimum market size (12mm) should not be taken and larger individuals should be preferentially taken to allow smaller individuals to reproduce. Care should also be taken to only collect edible periwinkle this reduces the impacts on other species on the rocky shore.
Blyth Estuary Code of Conduct
NIFCA has developed a voluntary code of conduct for bait collection on the Blyth estuary. For further information on the Blyth estuary and continued monitoring by NIFCA, please click HERE. These guidelines will be useful and of interest to those wishing to collect bait on the site. If you would like to contact NIFCA in relation to this code of conduct please contact our office 01670 797676.
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