Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

Following the introduction of a new national Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) for European Lobster on the 1^st March 2026 by the Marine Management Organisation and Defra, Southern IFCA will be issuing 88mm lobster gauges to fisherman in the district to help support the health of lobster stocks over-time.

Officers will be visiting ports next week, please bring your old 87mm gauge so that these can be recycled. For a list of dates, times & locations please click below and for details of what to do if you are unable to drop in next week.

Read More

MMO In-Person Informal Engagement Events on Cuttlefish and Whelk

The MMO are holding informal in-person events in the south and south-west to discuss cuttlefish and whelk management.

There are four events in the Southern IFCA District in Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Poole and Portsmouth.

Please click below for more details on locations/times.

Read More

Consultation Open for Final Four Defra-Led Fisheries Management Plans

Consultations are now open for the Tranche 4 FMPs; Wrasses Complex, Seabream, Celtic Seas & Western Channel Demersal and Celtic Seas & Western Channel Pelagic.

Please click below to visit our FMP page for more information including links to each FMP and information on engagement events during the consultation period.

Read More

Notification to stakeholders: Update to delivery of the Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw

Southern IFCA wish to make all stakeholders aware of an update to the delivery mechanism for the Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw under the Shore Gathering Review, following an initial period of quality assurance with the MMO. There are no changes to the content or underlying intentions of the Byelaw which will now revoke not amend the existing Fishing for Cockles Byelaw.

Read More

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

All Regulations

About Us

Contact Us

Consultations

Authority Meetings

2026 Lobster Measuring Gauges Now Available

MMO In-Person Informal Engagement Events on Cuttlefish and Whelk

Consultation Open for Final Four Defra-Led Fisheries Management Plans

Notification to stakeholders: Update to delivery of the Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw

News

About Us

Permits

Regulations

Fisheries & Research

Conservation

Compliance & Enforcement

Consultations