Other Regulations

The Southern IFCA also has a responsibility to enforce certain National and European fisheries legislation as well as employing a number of other regulatory mechanisms such as codes of practice and voluntary agreements. These contribute to our suite of management which aims to achieve sustainable fisheries and a sustainable environment.

Minimum Sizes
Netting Code of Practice
Cuttlefish Traps Code of Practice
Memorandum of Agreement for Bait Digging in Poole Harbour
The Solent European Marine Site (Prohibiton of Method of Dredging) Order 2004
The Lyme Bay Designated Area (Fishing Restrictions) (Amendment) Order 2009
Bass Nursery Areas
Wrasse Fishery Guidance

 

European minimum size is listed under Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, Statutory Instruments. The Southern IFCA also have a number of minimum sizes for specific species which are contained within our byelaws.

Unless specified all measurements refer to the dimension of length, specific ways of measuring certain species can be found on the Southern IFCA Wheelhouse Card.

(*) Indicates where minimum size is contained within a Southern IFCA byelaw and differs from that in EU legislation.

Undersized marine organisms shall not be retained on board or be transhipped, landed, transported, stored, sold, displayed or offered for sale, but shall be returned immediately into the sea.
 

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Bass Nursery Areas

There are regulations across the District regarding fishing within designated bass nursery areas. A booklet was produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on Bass Nursery Areas and Other Conservation Measures which can be seen here. Minimum size for Bass was updated to 42cm by EU legislation introduced in 2015. Details can be viewed via the Marine Management Organisation website.

These regulations are defined for the different areas of the District below:

Southern IFCA District  

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Wrasse Fishery Guidance

Guidance to protect the long-term sustainability of wrasse populations within the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) district, whilst maximising the enjoyment of the species by other users, notably recreational sea anglers, divers and snorkelers.

Please click here to view the Wrasse Fishery Guidance
Please click here to view Wrasse Frequently Asked Questions

Southern IFCA has, in collaboration with other South-west IFCAs, developed a co-ordinated management response to the developing live wrasse fishery through identifying a range of important management measures and research priorities. For more details please see our News Archive page.