Latest News

MMO Updates on the Octopus Bloom

During 2025 and into 2026, fishermen in South West England reported a surge in sightings and landings of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), often referred to as an 'octopus bloom'. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a webpage to provide updates on how the MMO is responding to this situation, including access to an octopus reporting portal, data on octopus and shellfish landings, stakeholder engagement activities, an overview of relevant scientific research, and information on available funding.

The Octopus Reporting Portal is aimed at divers, recreational anglers, and members of the public, allowing them to report octopus sightings. While commercial MMO landings data allow for monitoring and improved understanding of trends in octopus catches, the additional sighting records sought through this Portal will contribute to understandings of octopus distribution around the coast, and help to identify their presence in new and emerging areas.

Please click here to visit the webpage and access the Octopus Reporting Portal - MMO updates on the octopus bloom - GOV.UK

If you have any questions on the new Portal please get in touch with FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk.

Please also continue to engage with our Officers out on the coast or by contacting the Office if you wish to make us aware of any information relating to octopus in the Southern IFCA District. Southern IFCA will continue to engage with the Fishing Industry, the MMO and our IFCA colleagues in the South-West to monitor the situation.

IFCA Insights: July Edition

The Association of IFCAs has released the July edition of IFCA Insights.

IFCA Insights is designed to better connect and communicate the work carried out across England’s ten IFCAs. The Association of IFCAs represents the IFCAs at a national level and the newsletter aims to showcase and highlight the innovation, dedication and impact of IFCAs and share widely their important work to manage inshore fisheries in England.

This has been an important period for England's IFCAs and this edition demonstrates the breadth, value and impact of the work being delivered around the coast. This issue details strong examples of practical, locally led fisheries and conservation management with the confirmation of new and updated byelaws in Sussex, Kent & Essex, Devon & Severn and Cornwall, the importance of collaboration through the IFCA Technical Advisory Group and the Inshore Small-Scale Fisheries Consortium and the professionalism of IFCA Officers and Members through enforcement, digital innovation and day-to-day engagement with communities. The Officer Spotlight in this issue features our very own Kyle Payton, an IFCO in the Southern IFCA Compliance and Enforcement Team. The AIFCA's new film, Conserve was also launched on World Oceans Day looking at how IFCAs manage fishing activity within Marine Protected Areas.

Please click here to access the July Edition

These newsletters will be released quarterly. To sign up to receive future editions of IFCA Insights please click here - Contact AIFCA - AIFCA

Octopus

Southern IFCA are aware of the rising numbers of Octopus catches in the South West. IFCOs are continuing to engage with the fishing industry in the district and currently are not receiving reports that Octopus are being caught in the same numbers as they are in the South West. Some of the industry are concerned regarding the potential impacts if the “Octopus bloom” does spread East and we encourage industry to report any catches to the MMO via their Catch Recording Requirements. Southern IFCA will continue to engage with the Fishing Industry, the MMO and our IFCA colleagues in the South-West to monitor the situation.

Poole Shellfish Hand Gatherer Pleads Guilty to Failure to Comply Offences

On Thursday 23^rd April 2026 at Poole Magistrates Court, Justin Butler pleaded guilty to failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a direction reasonably given by an Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) from the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA).

Charges were laid by the Southern IFCA and Mr. Butler was ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £3,764.

The Court heard how on 22^nd August 2024, whilst IFCOs were undertaking a patrol at Lytchett Bay Nature Reserve, Poole, they discovered a vehicle in Shore Lane which contained fish boxes and net shellfish bags, suspected to belong to shellfish hand gatherers.

The IFCOs made their way on foot to Lytchett Bay where they saw two individuals hand gathering out on the mud in the northeastern part of the bay. The IFCOs could not reach the hand gatherers safely, due to deep mud channels, so returned to Shore Lane to await their return.

At approximately 20:45, two males returned. Upon seeing the IFCOs, one male fled the scene back into the Nature Reserve. The other male, now known to be Mr. Butler, remained next to the vehicle.

Mr. Butler was carrying a bag of shellfish which was estimated to be 10kg in weight. The shellfish were mainly Manila clams mixed with cockles. The IFCOs explained that they were from the Southern IFCA and wished to inspect the catch to check for compliance with the minimum conservation reference size. A sample was taken and 10% were found to be below the legal-size limit.

Mr. Butler told the IFCOs that he had gathered the shellfish for personal consumption and denied being the owner or associated with the vehicle. During the inspection and following detection of the undersize shellfish, the IFCOs gave numerous opportunities for Mr. Butler to provide his name and address. He repeatedly declined, despite being warned that it was an offence to fail to comply with a requirement or direction reasonably given by an Enforcement Officer.

This exchange was recorded on body worn video camera and was subsequently shown to the Court.  

Mr. Butler was issued a verbal warning in relation to the removal of undersized shellfish and told that attempts would be made to establish his identity. Subsequently, on Thursday 12th September 2024, IFCOs attended the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle located at the scene, along with Dorset Police. The IFCOs immediately recognised and identified Mr. Butler as being the individual that had failed to provide his details on 22nd August 2024.
 

Principal Deputy Chief Officer Sam Dell at Southern IFCA said:
“This case sends a clear message that failing to comply with the Authority’s IFCOs will not be tolerated. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 gives our officers common enforcement powers to conduct inspections. It provides robust legislation to support officers in carrying out their role. The Southern IFCA is committed to protecting local fisheries and the marine environment across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, to ensure healthy seas and a viable industry.

Southern IFCA is publicly funded and the extra time and resource it takes to deal with incidents like this puts an additional strain on public resources. This case could have been completely avoided if Mr Butler had complied with the officers in the first instance.

Finally, by taking offenders to court we aim to support legitimate operators. I would like to publicly thank the officers involved in this case and recognise their tenacious approach in pursing all lines of enquiry during this investigation. I would also like to extend that thanks to Dorset Police who provided assistance in establishing Mr. Butler’s identity”

Consultation Events for Tranche 4 Fisheries Management Plans

Defra are running online and in-person consultation events for the Tranche 4 Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), currently under consultation.

For the Seabream FMP and Wrasses Complex FMP an online event is being run on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Please see the graphic below for more information or visit our dedicated FMP page - Fisheries Management Plans : Southern IFCA.

Two Events being run by The Fishermen's Mission

Please see posters below for two events being run by The Fishermen's Mission in 2026.

IFCA Insights: March Edition

The Association of IFCAs has released their March edition of IFCA Insights.

IFCA Insights is designed to better connect and communicate the work carried out across England’s ten IFCAs. The Association of IFCAs represents the IFCAs at a national level and the newsletter aims to showcase and highlight the innovation, dedication and impact of IFCAs and share widely their important work to manage inshore fisheries in England.

In this edition, you’ll be able to find out about AIFCA’s ongoing collaboration with the Inshore and Small-Scale Fisheries (ISSF) Consortium, updates on IFCA training and professional development, the growing role of drones in IFCA science and enforcement, Southern IFCA & the Dorset Community's Co-Developed Principles to support sustainable black seabream fisheries in Dorset Marine Conservation Zones and much more.

Access our latest edition here.

These newsletters will be released quarterly, with the next edition in June 2026. To sign up to receive future editions of IFCA Insights please click here - Contact AIFCA - AIFCA

Community Drop-In Surgeries - Warsash and Portsmouth, Wednesday 18th March 2026

Southern IFCA are hosting Community Drop-in Surgeries in Warsash and Portmsouth on Wednesday 18th March 2026, please see the information below for specific locations and times. 

Join us for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team.

Association of IFCAs Releases a Series of Short Films

The Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (AIFCA) has just released a series of short films revealing the work of England's 10 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) through the stories of their members and officers. In the films we hear first-hand how coastal communities are managing the future of their coastline to achieve a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries. 

Check out the AIFCA website to watch all three videos and visit your local IFCA website to find out more.

2026 Lobster Measuring Gauges Now Available

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.

The MCRS will be incrementally phased to 90mm by 2028, with the 88mm gauge relevant in the Southern IFCA district for the period 1^st March 2026 to 31 December 2026. Subsequent gauges will be provided in 2027 and 2028.

Officers will be visiting the following ports next week – please bring your old 87mm gauge so that these can be recycled. If you are unable to drop in next week, then please contact permits@southern-ifca.gov.uk to arrange an alternative.
 

Tuesday 3^rd March

West Bay (Fish Landing Quay) 13:00-14:00

Lyme Regis (Fisherman College) 15:00-16:00

Wednesday 4^th March

Weymouth (Custom House Quay) 09:00- 10:00

Lulworth Cove (Slipway) 12:30 -13:00

Poole (Fisherman’s Dock Car Park) 13:30- 14:30

Thursday 5^th March

Portsmouth (Camber Dock) 09:30- 11:00

Lymington (Fish Landing Quay) 12:30- 13:30  

Mudeford (Fish Landing Quay) 14:30-15:30

Friday 6^th March

Swanage (RNLI Lifeboat Station) 10:00- 11:00


For more information on the MCRS change please see link: here

In-Person Informal Drop-In Sessions on Cuttlefish and Whelk

The MMO are holding a series of informal drop in sessions in the south and south-west, to talk about cuttlefish and whelk.

The MMO want to hear your thoughts on the following for cuttlefish:

• Tell us what you think of the action plan and what could work better.
• Hear how our current actions are progressing and help shape future management ideas and research priorities.
• Look together at the latest results from the market sampling project and what they mean for the fishery.
• Discuss how the Voluntary Codes of Practice are being used in the real world — and how well they’re working.

And for whelk, the MMO wish to:

• Get your insight on pot number reporting — what works, what doesn’t, and how we can make the system more practical for skippers and crews.
• Hear your views on the proposed whelk permit scheme — the good, the bad, and any options you think should be on the table. Your experience is crucial in shaping something that’s fair and workable.

• Tuesday 3rd March 2026 - Lyme Regis, 3:00pm to 4:30pm, Fishing College, Harbour Entrance, The Cobb, DT7 3JJ
• Wednesday 4th March 2026 - Weymouth, 10:30am to 12:00pm, The Ship Inn, Custom House Quay, DT4 8BE
• Wednesday 4th March 2026 - Poole, 2:30pm to 12:00pm, MMO Poole, The Quay, BH15 1HP
• Thursday 5th March 2026 - Portsmouth, 09:30am to 11:00am, Farmhouse Innlodge Hotel, Burrfields Road, PO3 5HH

Consultations Open for Tranche 4 Defra-Led Fisheries Management Plans

The public consultations are now open for the final four Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) being delivered by Defra. 

Each of the four FMPs cover all or part of the Southern IFCA district. Further information including where to access the documents, how to respond and upcoming engagement events can be accessed via our FMP page, with a summary provided below. 

The consultations are open until 11:59pm on 5th May 2026.

Information on the consultation can be found online here: Consultations open for final four Defra-led FMPs – Fisheries Management Plans

There are also factsheets available for each of the FMPs, available online here.

The four FMPs are, please use the links to access all relevant documentation for each FMP:

• Seabream FMP
• Wrasses Complex FMP
• Celtic Seas and Western Channel Pelagic FMP
• Celtic Seas and Western Channel Demersal FMP

Responses to the consultation can be online, by email, or by post. Please see the individual FMP consultation pages linked above for more detail on how to respond.

Online Sessions
Online sessions are being held at the start of the consultation period, designed to give a clear overview to help with reviewing the proposals and preparing responses.

• Wednesday 25th February, 3:15pm - Wrasses Complex and Seabream FMPs
• Monday 2nd March, 1:15pm - Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP
• Tuesday 3rd March, 1:15pm - Celtic Sea and Western Channel Demersal FMP

For more information and sign up for the events please use this link: FMP events – Fisheries Management Plans

In-Person Events
In-person events will also be held in the South and South West. Dates and locations will be posted once they are available. 

Community Drop-In Surgeries - Lymington and Mudeford, Tuesday 10th February 2026

Southern IFCA are hosting Community Drop-in Surgeries in Lymington and Mudeford on Tuesday 10th February 2026, please see the information below for specific locations and times. 

Join us for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team.

UPDATE - Community Drop-In Surgeries - Poole, Thursday 22nd January 2026

The Poole Community Drop-In Surgery at Fisherman’s Dock (12:30-15:00) on Thursday 22^nd January 2026 has been relocated to the North Lounge, Poole Harbour Commissioners due to adverse weather. We apologise for this change at short notice however wish to provide the best opportunity for our stakeholders to discuss local fisheries and conservation matters in drier surroundings!

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at any time between 12:30 and 18:30 at North Lounge, PHC (20 New Quay Road, BH15 4AF).

Southern IFCA will look to arrange a session at Fisherman’s Dock in the spring for any stakeholders unable to visit us at the North Lounge tomorrow.

Photo credit: Guy Mitchell

Research Call - Benefits of Underwater Structures for Cuttlefish Egg Survival

Plymouth University, in collaboration with Cefas and Defra, is seeking local knowledge to help fill evidence gaps on cuttlefish egg-laying behaviour and the potential benefits of artificial substrates.

What is needed:

• Observations of cuttlefish egg-laying on pots, nets, or artificial structures
• Timing and locations of spawning
• Any perceived risks to egg survival

Deadline: 1st February 2026

To participate, please contact Dr Alice Hall at alice.hall@plymouth.ac.uk or call 01752 584996. Interviews can take place in person or over the phone.

Southern IFCA's Community Drop-In Surgeries - Poole, Thursday 22nd January 2026

Southern IFCA are hosting Community Drop-in Surgeries at two locations in Poole on Thursday 22nd January 2026, please see the information below for specific locations and times. 

Join us for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team.

IFCA Insights: December 2025 Newsletter

The Association of IFCAs is excited to release the beginning of a new series of newsletters: IFCA Insights.

The Association of IFCAs represents the ten IFCAs in England and we aim to showcase the work undertaken by the IFCAs to manage inshore fisheries in England.

IFCA Insights is designed to better connect and communicate the work carried out across England’s ten IFCAs. Through our newsletter we aim to showcase and highlight the innovation, dedication and impact of IFCAs and share widely their important work.

In our December 2025 edition, you’ll find highlights from the 2025 Technical Advisory Group Conference, where collaboration and science showcased the strength of the IFCA model; an overview of the newly adopted National Remote Electronic (REM) & Artificial Intelligence Strategy; regional updates on fisheries management, enforcement and partnership work; and a spotlight on the people who deliver this work every day.

Access the latest edition of IFCA Insights here

These newsletters will be released Quarterly, with the next edition in March 2026. Sign up to receive future newsletters through the sign up form here.

We are always looking for new content, ideas and feedback. Feel free to get in touch with Emily Bulled, Communication and Engagement Manager, at emily.bulled@association-ifca.org.uk.

Notification for all 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, one of the byelaws developed as an outcome of the Shore Gathering Review, following the initial period of quality assurance on this Byelaw undertaken by the Marine Management Organisation.

The Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw will now, upon ratification by the Secretary of State, revoke the Southern IFCA Fishing for Cockles Byelaw rather than amend it as previously proposed. This change relates to the mechanism by which the instrument is to be introduced, and as such there are no changes to the content or underlying intentions of the Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw, which was formally consulted on between 17th October to 14th November 2024 as part of the wider Southern IFCA Shore Gathering Review.

Both the Fishing for Cockles (Amendment) Byelaw and the Shore Gathering Byelaw remain at the stage of undergoing quality assurance with the MMO prior to being sent to Defra for consideration by the Secretary of State. Only once the Byelaws have been ratified by the Secretary of State will they come into force.

For more information on the Shore Gathering Review, please visit our Ongoing Reviews page.

Update on the Development of the Black Seabream Management Package

Black Seabream (BSB) are designated as features of three Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in Dorset; Purbeck Coast MCZ, Poole Rocks MCZ and Southbourne Rough MCZ.

In considering management of this species as a designated feature of the three Dorset MCZs, the BSB Management Package has been developed, which incorporates both existing statutory management through the Southern IFCA Bottom Towed Fishing Gear (BTFG) Byelaw 2023, the Southern IFCA Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) Byelaw and external statutory measures for the Lulworth Ranges and Co-Developed Principles which were developed through a co-development process with the Community. The BSB Management Package was considered by the Technical Advisory Sub-Committee (TAC) of the Authority at an Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday 4th December 2025. 

At this meeting Members of the TAC resolved to take forward the BSB Management Package with the delivery of the Co-Developed Principles planned for 2026. 

More updates on the outcomes of this meeting and the associated delivery of the BSB Management Package will follow in the New Year.

The Authority would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, including representatives from the commercial, recreational and charter fishing sectors, for their engagement and dedication to the co-development process. The expert knowledge provided at various stages has been instrumental in the development of the final BSB Management Package, particularly in shaping the Co-Developed Principles, designed to support existing statutory measures by furthering understandings of BSB fisheries through a collaborative and adaptive approach. Southern IFCA look forward to working with the community through 2026 and beyond to support and promote sustainable BSB fisheries in Dorset.

Publication of Tranche 3 Fisheries Management Plans

Five Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) under Tranche 3 were published today (16th December) by the Government.

The plans are:

• North Sea and Channel Sprat FMP (developed jointly with the Scottish Government for English and Scottish waters)
• Cockle FMP
• Queen Scallop FMP
• Southern North Sea and Channel Skates and Rays FMP
• Southern North Sea Demersal Non-Quota Species FMP (note this FMP does not cover the Southern IFCA District)

More information on each FMP and links to the published documents can be found on our Fisheries Management Plans dedicated webpage. 

The press release from the Government accompanying the publication of the Tranche 3 FMPs can be viewed here.

Southern IFCA's Community Drop-In Surgeries - Isle of Wight, Thursday 13th November 2025

Southern IFCA are hosting a Community Drop-in Surgeries at various locations on the Isle of Wight on Thursday 13th November 2025, please see the information below for specific locations and times. 

Join us for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team.
 

Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery Awarded Marine Stewardship Council UK Ocean Leadership Award

The Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery has been awarded the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) UK Ocean Leadership Award 2025 for its innovative use of drones. The award recognises and rewards a fishery that has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of seafood sustainability and made a unique contribution to the sustainability of certified fisheries. 

Since Southern IFCA introduced the drones into its Monitoring, Control and Surveillance activities in 2022, it has transformed its officers' ability to detect and deter illegal fishing across a complex estuary system with sensitive habitats. 

After receiving the award at the ceremony, Pia Bateman, Chief Executive Officer at the Southern IFCA said she was "deeply honoured". "This award reflects the hard work, collaboration and innovation shown by everyone involved in the Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery. This technology has not only strengthened protections of sensitive marine habitats but also helped to champion and showcase responsible fishing practice, which ultimately ensures that the fishery continues to meet the highest sustainability standards set by the MSC. This initiative demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can be responsbily applied in small-scale fisheries to achieve world-class outcomes. It shows that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, and that where the right management tools are coupled with community stewardship, inshore fisheries management can lead the way globally". 

Alex Holdgate, MSC Fisheries Outreach Manager UK and Ireland, said: "By integrating drones into fisheries management at this small-scale fishery, Southern IFCA has delivered a modern, innovative and highly effective approach that ensures the Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery continues to meet the highest sustainability standards. This initiative is a model of fantastic leadership on fisheries management and a blueprint for other fisheries worldwide. Importantly, it helps support the ongoing certification of the fishery, which provides incredible clams and cockles for UK consumers to enjoy, safe in the knowledge that they are from a sustainable source". 

Please click here to view the press release

MMO - Working Together to Protect Harbour Porpoise

The MMO are exploring potential management options as a starting point for discussion to understand and reduce bycatch of harbour porpoise, which is suggested to be happening at unsustainable levels and could be impacting the condition of two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); the Southern North Sea MPA and the Bristol Channel Approaches MPA. 

A blog post has been published by the MMO which contains more information and details of how fishers can provide early feedback to this process - Working Together to Protect Harbour Porpoise – Marine Development Blog

A series of in-person workshops are being held around the coast, aimed primarily at gilnet fishers, where fishers are invited to share their insights and knowledge. These workshops are beginning in the Southwest, the first workshop in the Southern IFCA District is being held as follows:

Lyme Regis
Date: Tuesday 7th October
Venue: The Fishing College, The Cobb, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JJ

To register for the event please use this link - Working Together to Reduce Harbour Porpoise Bycatch (Lyme Regis) Tickets, Tue, Oct 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

MMO Webinar - Managing Offshore Marine Protected Areas Consultation

The MMO are hosting a Stage 3 Formal Consultation Webinar on Tuesday 16 September 2025 from 7pm to 8pm. This will be a final opportunity for fishers to learn more about the proposals for managing fishing in 42 English MPAs.

They will provide an overview of Stage 3 MPAs and the proposed management measures, discuss any consultation queries, explain what evidence and information fishers can provide and how to respond to the consultation.

Stakeholders can sign up on Eventbrite: Managing England's Offshore Marine Protected Areas (Webinar) Tickets, Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

For any immediate questions on the consultation please send these to conservation@marinemanagement.org.uk and they will aim to answer these live or via follow-up over email.

New Southern IFCA Byelaw - Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023

The Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 has been ratified by the Secretary of State, updating prohibited areas for bottom towed fishing activity within the Southern IFCA District.

The Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 has been developed following the Authority’s decision to review and, where necessary, develop updated regulations for BTFG in National Site Network Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern IFCA District. The Byelaw was made by the Authority in June 2023 and, following a period of Formal Consultation, the Authority agreed to submit the Byelaw to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) for confirmation by the Secretary of State. The Byelaw was confirmed on 7^th July 2025.

In line with the duties of Southern IFCA for managing fisheries within Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and within or adjacent to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Conservation Regulations[1] , the review considered changes in the National Site Network of Marine Protected Areas through the addition of new MCZs in 2019 and updates to the best-available evidence on designated feature extent and location in MCZs, SACs and SPAs.

The BTFG Byelaw 2023 extends some existing BTFG prohibition areas and introduces some new prohibition areas, as well as maintaining the requirement for BTFG to be inboard and above the sea whilst a vessel carrying BTFG is transiting through a prohibited area. Management is feature-based and considers sensitive designated features for MCZs, SACs and SPAs based on best available evidence.

A copy of the new BTFG Byelaw 2023 can be viewed on the Bottom Towed Gears page or the All Regulations page. The Byelaw contains the full coordinates for all prohibited areas.

An infographic outlining the provisions of the BTFG Byelaw 2023 can be viewed here.

Maps for different areas of the District are provided below showing existing prohibited areas from the BTFG Byelaw 2016 which are maintained under the BTFG Byelaw 2023 and the new and extended prohibited areas under the BTFG Byelaw 2023.

Supporting documentation for the Byelaw, including the Impact Assessment and a Management Intentions Document which seeks to provide clarity of intention and process which has underpinned management decisions concerning BTFG in the Southern IFCA District can be found on the Bottom Towed Fisheries page. 

[1] Conservation Regulations refers to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.