Tench

Site Permit Information

Before any fish can be stocked into your water, you must have a valid Site Permit issued by the Environment Agency (or Natural Resources Wales if you are in Wales). This is a legal requirement for all fisheries and stocked waters.

A Site Permit is issued to the person responsible for the water (such as the owner, manager, or club) and sets out exactly what fish can be stocked, including species and any restrictions. It may also include conditions such as health checks, biosecurity measures, and controls around non-native species.

These rules are designed to protect your fishery, neighbouring waters, and the wider environment from disease, invasive species, and unsuitable stocking.

The permit system replaces the old process of applying for permission for each individual stocking. Once your Site Permit is in place, you already have permission to stock fish—provided your order complies with the conditions listed on your permit.

It is a legal offence to:

• Stock fish without a valid Site Permit
• Introduce species not listed on your permit
• Fail to comply with the conditions of your permit

Failure to follow these rules can result in enforcement action, including prosecution. The good news is that applying for a Site Permit is straightforward, completely free, and only needs to be done once. It can also be updated at any time if your stocking requirements change.

When you place an order with us, you’ll need to provide your Site Permit number. This allows us to confirm that your order complies with your permit and ensures your delivery can go ahead without delay.

If you’re unsure whether you need a permit or need help applying, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to guide you through the process.