The Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw came into force on the 1st November 2021. The byelaw introduces a single coherent management tool for the purposes of managing the sustainable harvesting of bivalve populations in the Solent prohibiting the use of a dredge by means of a vessel within the Solent unless authorised by a permit. The byelaw and its permit conditions set out various mechanisms for managing the fishery including closed seasons, curfews, gear restrictions and catch returns.
There are two permit categories;
- Category A Permit for fishing for bivalves (except native oysters) and;
- Category B Permit to fish for native oysters.
Category A Permits
Category A permits are required in order to fish for any bivalve (except native oyster).
The application period for Solent Dredge Cat A Permits for the 2025 – 2026 season (1st November 2025 to 31st October 2026) is now closed.
Only Category A Permits will be issued in line with the Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw Access Policy.
Category B Permits
Category B permits are required in order to fish for native oysters following the results of the Southern IFCA annual native oyster survey the IFCAs Technical Advisory Committee agreed to close the native oyster beds in the Solent. On this basis, no Category B permits have been issued for the 2025/26 season.
Catch Returns
Permit holders must submit a catch return for each month of the fishing season. catch returns must be submitted no later than the 14th day of the following month. they can be submitted as hard copy or electronic copy to Unit 3, Holes Bay Park Sterte Avenue West, Poole, BH15 2AA or permits@southern-ifca.gov.uk
Management and Policy
The Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw includes the ability to vary certain permit conditions. Further clarity on the intention and process behind such management decisions the Authority may take has been included in the Management Intentions Document .
The fisheries managed by the dredge permit are subject to stock monitoring surveys and research. Details of those surveys and work streams can be found here
Stakeholder Engagement
The SDPB puts stakeholder engagement to the forefront of the fishery, therefore, following its commencement on the 1st November 2021, the Solent Bivalve Community Forum was established to facilitate engagement with stakeholders, support the process of flexible permit condition management and to discuss the outcomes of the Solent Bivalve Stock Assessments. The Solent Bivalve Community Forums take place annually and are attended by IFCA officers and members of industry.
