As from 1^st May 2007 a new registration scheme (Byelaw 30) becomes active throughout the whole of the NW&NWSFC District. Anyone fishing as a hobby with pots and traps must now register by applying for a permit. The applicant will be allocated a unique number, which must be displayed on their boat and pot markers. Each permit holder will be allowed to fish with a maximum of 5 pots, and a daily ‘bag’ limit applies for the most popular species.

The new registration scheme will enable the compilation of landing statistics for the non commercial sector, and also allow Fishery Officers to identify abandoned gear. Pots that are lost during severe weather, or simply left in the sea after the summer holidays, continue to ‘ghost’ fish until the pots are washed ashore or broken up by wave action. Such pots can therefore accidentally remove and waste a number of healthy specimens that would otherwise breed, recruit to, and enhance the fishery.

Registration is free and an application form can be downloaded from this site, or on request to your local Fishery Officer or our Lancaster office.