› Fishing Permits & Permissions

Fishing & Permits

Fishing within the Northumberland IFCA district is subject to permit requirements designed to protect marine resources and ensure fair, sustainable access.

Legal, permitted fishing ensures sustainable, healthy waters

Whether you fish commercially, recreationally or as a sea angler, you may require a valid permit to operate within six nautical miles of the coast. Permits help us manage fishing effort, protect sensitive habitats and maintain a level playing field for all who use our inshore waters.

Permits are not simply administrative requirements. They are a key tool in managing fishing activity within the district, helping us monitor effort, protect sensitive habitats and ensure that marine resources are harvested sustainably and fairly. They allow us to:

Monitor fishing activity and effort
Protect Marine Protected Areas
Manage stock levels responsibly
Apply regulations fairly across sectors
Support long-term viability of fisheries

By holding the correct permit, you help protect Northumberland’s marine environment and ensure sustainable access for future generations.

Commercial fishing permits

Any vessel or individual wishing to take fish or shellfish for sale from the district must hold a valid NIFCA commercial permit. This permit is a formal agreement to operate within our district-specific byelaws and technical conservation measures.

By holding a permit, skippers commit to sustainable practices, including gear restrictions and mandatory catch reporting. These requirements are monitored through shore inspections and at-sea boarding by our enforcement team.

Important: renewals only

This online form is for the renewal of existing Commercial Shellfish Permits only. If you wish to apply for a new permit, you must contact NIFCA directly. Please email nifca@nifca.gov.uk or call 01670 797 676 to request a new application.

Apply or renew your Commercial Shellfish permit

Potting for lobster & crab

Vessels must be below 12 metres in overall length to qualify for a permit. The permit holder must also possess a valid MMO fishing licence with a shellfish entitlement.

£180 per annum

January-December

Application form

Apply online

Renew online

Apply or renew your Commercial Trawl permit

Trawling for nephrops

Specific vessel length requirements apply based on the area of operation:

0-3nm: Vessels must be below 12m in overall length
3-6nm: Vessels must be below 18.3m in overall length

MCZ exemption: Trawling in the Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ requires a specific 2026 exemption. Please contact us directly to arrange this.

£50 per annum

January-December

Application form

Apply online

Renew online

Recreational fishing & gathering

Northumberland’s coastline is a popular destination for sea angling and shore gathering. While rod angling and hand-gathering for personal consumption are widely enjoyed, specific daily limits and permit requirements apply to protect local stocks.

Apply or renew your Recreational Shellfish permit

Potting for lobster & crab

If you wish to use pots, creels, or traps, a recreational permit is mandatory.

Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 16 and over
Cost & validity: £10 per annum (January to December)
Gear limits: You may use a maximum of 5 pots per permit holder

All pots must be fitted with an official NIFCA recreational tag and a standard escape gap. All gear must be clearly marked with the owner’s details.

£10 per annum

January–December

Application form

Renew online