Minimum SizesEuropean 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. | | CMS | | | Bass | 42.0 | | | Black Seabream (*) | 23.0 | | | Brill (*) | 30.0 | | | Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) (*) | 6.3 | | | Clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) | 3.5 | | | Clams (Venus verrucosa) | 4.0 | | | Clams (Ruditapes decussatus) | 4.0 | | | Cockle (*) | 2.38 | Shell must be unable to pass through a square opening measuring 2.38 on each side | | Cod | 35.0 | | | Crab (Brown) | 14.0 | Carapace width | | Crab (Spider) | 12.0 Female
13.0 Male | Carapace width | | Crab (Velvet) | 6.5 | Carapace length | | Conger Eel (*) | 58.0 | | | Crawfish | 9.5 | Carapace length | | Dab (*) | 23.0 | | | Flounder (*) | 27.0 | | | Haddock | 30.0 | | | Hake | 27.0 | | | Herring | 20.0 | | | Lemon Sole (*) | 25.0 | | | Ling | 63.0 | | | Lobster | 8.7 | Carapace length | | Mackerel | 20.0 | | | Megrim | 20.0 | | | Mullet (Grey) (*) | 30.0 | | | Mussel (*) | 5.0 | | | Oyster (*) | 7.0 | Shell must be unable to pass through a circular ring with 70mm internal diameter | | Plaice | 27.0 | | | Pollack | 30.0 | | | Queen Scallop | 4.0 | Shell width | | Razor Clam (Ensis spp.) | 10.0 | Shell length | | Red Mullet (*) | 15.0 | | | Saithe | 35.0 | | | Scad (Horse Mackerel) | 15.0 | | | Scallop | 10.0
(VII d 11.0) | Shell width | | Shad (*) | 30.0 | | | Skate (Whole) (*) | 40.0 | | | Skate (Wing) (*) | 20.0 | | | Sole | 24.0 | | | Surf Clam | 2.5 | | | Turbot (*) | 30.0 | | | Whelk | 4.5 | Shell length | | Whiting | 27.0 | | | Witch Flounder (*) | 28.0 | |
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.
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
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 QuestionsSouthern 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. |
