What you need to know for recreational fishing and sea angling

North Eastern
Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authority
Recreational Fishing
and Sea Angling
What you need to know
May 2013 edition
This guide gives a brief introduction to the NEIFCA and
some of the regulations which may affect you when
leisure fishing, bait collecting or enjoying the foreshore
• On 1 April 2011, North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority replaced North
Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee, with many new duties and responsibilities for managing and
conserving marine resources between the River Tyne and North East Lincolnshire.
• Our main jurisdiction is from estuarine upper tidal limits to six nautical miles out to sea.
• Our aim is to manage the inshore marine environment in a sustainable manner.
• We want to help people to enjoy the rich and diverse marine landscapes along our coast
without unnecessarily causing damage or harm.
With this guide
Our vision is to
• Lead, champion and manage a
sustainable marine environment
and fishery.
• Secure a balance between social,
environmental and economic
benefits.
• Ensure healthy seas, a sustainable
fishery and a viable fishing
industry.
1
We want to help recreational fisherman who fish
from the shore or a boat to understand the laws
that affect them.
• It’s not uncommon for you to see one of our
Fishery and Conservation Officers patrolling the
coast. Their varied role includes helping you to
enjoy the marine environment responsibly. They
may want to have a look at what you have caught
and make sure it is the right size or is not subject
to any restrictions. They will always be happy to
answer any questions you may have.
• Our Officers usually, but not always, wear a
blue uniform and will always carry and show an
identification card called a warrant.
• Look out for our patrol vessel the North Eastern
Guardian III patrolling our coast. One of our rigid
inflatable boats may come alongside you to have
a look at your catch when you are fishing from
your boat.
North Eastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority
What regulations affect you?
I want to catch crabs, lobsters and
whelks, can I do this?
• Yes, you can. But you will need a limited
shellfish permit to catch shellfish from the
shore or a boat.
What is a limited shellfish permit?
• It is a free permit available to hobby
fishermen.
• It allows you take up to 2 lobsters, 10 crabs
and 30 whelks (shellfish) per day from the
shore or a boat.
• If there is more than one permit holder
present on a boat, you can still only take
a maximum of 2 lobsters, 10 crabs and 30
whelks per boat.
Where can I get a permit?
Can I use pots to catch shellfish?
• Yes, you can use up to ten pots. We provide
ten plastic tags which you will need to
attach to each pot. The tags display your
permit number and year.
• You must not fish pots without a tag or they
may be seized and destroyed.
Can I use a net?
• You can use 100 metres of net. However,
there are a number of other byelaws you
must follow, some of which are explained
in this guide. If you intend to use a net we
strongly recommend you contact our office
or view our web site for further advice.
• The net must only be used for catching
shellfish.
• Apply for a permit on our website at
http://www.ne-ifca.gov.uk/apply-for-apermit/
2
I like to go diving. Do I need a
permit to take lobsters and
crabs during a dive?
• Yes.Youmusthavealimitedshellfishpermit
andfollowthesamelimitssetbythepermit.
• Maximumof2lobsters,10crabsand30
Whelkperboat.
Back
of eye
socket
What is a V notched lobster
and a lobster with a mutilated
(damaged) tail?
Ifyoufishforlobsterswithyourlimitedshellfish
permityoumayfindalobsterwithaVshaped
cutinoneortwoofitstailfins.Havealookat
thepicture(left)toseewhataVnotchlookslike
andwhereinthetailitiscut.
87mm
• Wecallthesetailfinsuropods.
• AVnotchwillbecutintothesecondorfourth
tailfinoruropod.
Why do you cut a V notch into a
lobster’s tail?
Edge of
carapace
• Toprotectmainlyfemalelobsterswhichare
oldenoughandbigenoughtoproduceeggs
whichwillhatchintosmalllobsterlarvae.
• Toworktowardsasustainablelobsterfishery
bytryingtomakesurethereareenoughsmall
lobsterstoreplacethosethatarecaught.
• Thissupportslocallivelihoodsthroughhelping
topromoteavibrantfisheryforourpotting
fleets.
What is a mutilated tail?
• Alobsterwhichhasdamagetoorcomplete
lossofitssecondorfourthtailfinoruropod.
What should I do if I find a lobster
with a V notched or mutilated tail?
• Youmustreturnittotheseaorrockpool
straightaway,ifyoudon’tyoucouldfacea
fineofupto£50000.
Is there anything I need to do to help
small lobsters escape from my pots?
V Notch
3
Yes,insomeareasyouwillneedtofitan
escapegap.
North Eastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority
One of our rigid inflatable boats may come alongside you to
have a look at your catch when you are fishing from your boat.
What is an escape gap?
• It is a small plastic opening which is fitted
to each chamber of the pot, if your pot has
two chambers it will need two escape gaps.
• The opening must measure 80mm x 46mm.
• The escape gap must be fitted within 50mm
of the base of the pot.
What does it do?
• It is designed to allow small lobsters to
escape from your pots.
Which areas require the fitting of an
escape gap to my pots?
In some areas escape gaps are manditory.
However, we hope everyone who fishes pots will
consider fitting them.
We hope everyone who fishes pots within the
district will consider fitting an escape gap to
their pots. However, you must fit an escape
gap(s) if you fish within:
Keep up to date with
new regulations
• The area stretching from the south pier of
the River Tyne to the base of Steetly Pier,
north of Hartlepool and 3 nautical miles
out to sea within this area. Please visit our
Byelaws section of our website for the exact
area and co-ordinates at http://www.
ne-ifca.gov.uk/legislation-and-byelaws/
byelaw-regulations/
• You can purchase escape gaps from our
authorised supplier at:
www.gtproductsmarine.com
NEIFCA often reviews its byelaws to
ensure effective management. A new
crustacea conservation byelaw is being
considered. This byelaw includes, but
is not limited to, an increase in the
minimum landing size for edible crabs,
a reduction in the number of pots a
Limited Shellfish Permit holder may use
and the introduction of escape gaps
throughout most of the district.
Crab claws, lobster claws and
lobster tails
• It is an offence to break off a claw or a tail.
• It is also an offence to use parts of a crab or
lobster as bait.
To ensure you comply with all
relevant regulations and for the most
up to date information, please visit:
www.ne-ifca.gov.uk
4
Shellfish minimum landing sizes
We have minimum landing sizes for our main species of shellfish. Minimum landing sizes are set to
allow the creature to breed at least once before being removed from the sea.
Edible crab
King scallop
Lobster
Mussel
Norway lobster
Norway lobster tail
Norway lobster carapace
130mm
100mm
87mm
51mm
85mm
46mm
25mm
What is the minimum landing size
for a lobster and an edible crab?
• The minimum landing size for a lobster is
87mm (back of either eye socket to the edge
of the carapace).
• The minimum landing size for an edible crab
is 130mm across the widest part of its shell.
5
Queen scallop
40mm
Razor clam
100mm
Spider crab male
Spider crab female
Velvet crab
130mm
120mm
65mm
Whelk
45mm
How do I measure a lobster?
• To measure a lobster correctly, you will need
a lobster measure. This is a plastic or metal
tool which has two points set accurately
at 87mm.
• You measure a lobster from the back of its
eye socket to the edge of its main body or
carapace. Your measure must be parallel with
the line running down the centre of the lobster.
The image on page 3 shows you how.
North Eastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority
Fish minimum landing sizes
Bass
Cod
Dover sole
Haddock
Hake
Herring
Horse mackerel
36cm
35cm
24cm
30cm
27cm
20cm
15cm
Ling
Pollack
Mackerel
Megrim
Plaice
Saithe
Whiting
63cm
30cm
30cm
20cm
27cm
35cm
27cm
Can I use a net to fish for seafish or
shellfish from the shore?
Are there any areas in which I can’t
take anything from the shore or sea?
• No. Hobby fishermen are not allowed to set
a net from the shore.
• Yes, we have something called a "No Take
Zone" at Flamborough Head.
• The area extends from Sewerby Steps
to Danes Dyke and 700m seaward from
the base of the cliffs, covering an area of
approximately 1 square kilometre. Can I use a net to fish from a vessel?
Yes, but there are in depth requirements you
must follow or your net could be removed and
destroyed.
• Depending on the time of year, a net which
is fixed to the bottom of the seabed must
be set beyond the 5 or 10 metre depth
contour line.
• Throughout the district there are various
conservation areas where netting is not
allowed.
It is important to talk to us or look at our
website if you are planning to use a net to
ensure you do so correctly.
What is a "No Take Zone"?
“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing
but photographs....”
• "No Take Zones" are an important step
towards marine conservation.
• They protect every plant, animal and feature
within the area from damage or removal.
• You must leave all seafish, shellfish, plants
and animals exactly where they are.
Can I keep a tope if I catch one?
•
•
No tope or parts of tope can be
taken from the district.
If you catch a tope you must return
it to the sea.
Tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) © Marc Dando wildlifeillustrator.com
6
What can I do to help protect the marine environment?
• Takelitterhome.Itisunsightlyand
dangeroustoseabirds.
• Neverleavefishingtackleorlineonthebeach.
Itcanharmseabirdsandmarinemammals.
• Iffishingorgatheringonlytakewhatyouneed.
• Pleasedonotleavebaitordeadfishonthebeach.
• Returnallunwantedandundersizedfishand
shellfishcarefullyandalive.
• Anysalmonorseatroutmustbereturned
immediatelyunlessyouholdanEnvironment
Agencylicense.
• Ensureyouhavethemeanstomeasurefish
andshellfish.
• Treatallfishinggearwithrespect.Pleasedo
nottamperwithorremoveanyfishinggear
thatdoesnotbelongtoyou.
Reporting
suspicious activity
Ifyouwitnessanysuspicious
fishingorgatheringactivity
pleasecontacttheNEIFCA
officeassoonaspossibleon
thenumberprovided.Allcalls
aredealtwithinthestrictest
ofconfidence.
North Eastern
• Bemindfulofotherbeachandseauserswhen
settingfishinggear.
Collecting bait
Humber Estuary
FordetailsoncollectingbaitintheHumber
pleasevisit: www.humberems.co.uk.
Tees and Cleveland
ForTees&ClevelandEMSdetailsrelatingto
baitgatheringpleasevisit:
www.teescoast.co.uk/code-of-conduct
Other areas
• Pleasebackfillanyholes.
• Pleasedonotuseorreplaceoldtyresasa
meansofbaitcollection.
• Donottakemorebaitthanisneeded.
• Avoiddiggingtrenches.
Our Authority
TheAuthoritycomprises
representativesfromthe11coastal
LocalAuthoritieswithinitsarea
togetherwith14membersappointed
bytheMarineManagement
Organisationandonemember
appointedbyeachoftheMarine
ManagementOrganisation,the
EnvironmentAgencyandNatural
England.Thetotalmembershipofthe
Authorityis30.
ThesupportofourLocalAuthorities
isessentialinenablingustomeet
ourgoals.ThefollowingLocal
Authoritiescontributetothefunding
ofNEIFCA.
Our Funding Authorities
DurhamCountyCouncil
EastRidingofYorkshireCouncil
HartlepoolBoroughCouncil
HullCityCouncil
NorthYorkshireCountyCouncil
NorthEastLincolnshireCouncil
NorthLincolnshireCouncil
RedcarandClevelandBorough
Council
SouthTynesideMetropolitan
BoroughCouncil
StocktononTees
BoroughCouncil
SunderlandCityCouncil
North Eastern Inshore Fisheries &
Conservation Authority
Contact Us
Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authority
TownHall
QuayRoad
Bridlington
EastRidingofYorkshire
YO164LP
Chief Inshore Fisheries
& Conservation
Officer
01482393690
Support Services
Officer
01482393515
Email
ne-ifca@eastriding.
gov.uk
Website
www.ne-ifca.gov.uk
Disclaimer:Thisinformationisprovidedtoassistthepublicandisnotafullordefinitivestatementoflaw.Pleaserefertorelevant
EUlegislation,UKActsofparliament,statutoryinstrumentsandlocalIFCAbyelawswhichmaybeamendedfromtimetotime.