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 the Solent Dredge Cat A Permit for the 2026 – 2027 season (1st November 2026 to 31st October 2027) is now open.
To download and print a 2026 – 2027 Permit Application Form please click here.
To apply for a permit as a New Entrant, you will be required to fully complete all relevant parts of the application form and submit it, along with evidence outlined in the eligibility section, for further details on eligibility please refer to the Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw Access Policy and the Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw.
The application form and supporting evidence must be submitted to the Southern IFCA no later than 30th September 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Following the closure of the application period on 30th September 2026, all applications received will be reviewed. You will be advised of the status of your application and the awarding of any Category A Permit entitlement after the end of September 2026.
We ask applicants to please refrain from contacting the Southern IFCA to query the status of an application before receiving correspondence detailing the outcome of your application after the end of September 2026. Barring any exceptional circumstances, information regarding your Category A Permit entitlement will be provided in good time ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season on 1st November 2026.
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.
