About this service
Built primarily for commercial fishers, this service ensures fishers are more aware of and can comply with fishing restrictions in UK waters. Marine fishing restrictions applicable to fishing gear use have been included from all regulators which manage and enforce fishing activity within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone.
This will enable you to confidently answer the question ‘Can I fish here?’
- This service includes restrictions that:
- Relate to type of fishing gear
- Relate to commercial fishing
- Are legislative (legally enforceable)
- Are within the sea i.e. submerged at Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) and within the Normal Tidal Limit (NTL)
- This service does not include:
- Species restrictions e.g. minimum size
- Catch limitations
- Temporary, Advisory or Emergency restrictions
- Recreational restrictions
- Mesh size or engine power limits where no other restriction applies
Using the quick start filters, you can view and download restrictions relevant to your operation, whether this is by fishing gear type, location, seasonality or vessel size. All fishing gear types have been identified from FAO gear classifications and are named accordingly.