Fishery Registration and Site Permits: All you need to know

There does still seem to be some confusion over Fishery Registration and Site Permits so we thought it might be helpful if we highlighted the requirements for fisheries and angling clubs.  

Please note this does not affect garden ponds.

Registration under the Aquatic Animal Health (England & Wales) Regulations 2009

Back in 2015 the Environment Agency stopped the S30 movement of fish and replaced it with live fish movement site permits so that going forward every fishery that wanted to stock fish required a Site Permit.

Please note this is quite separate from the Fishery Registration that is required by Cefas.

The Site Permit is an agreement between you and the EA as to what fish can be stocked into your lakes and any related conditions that they wish to impose, such as the species you are allowed to stock.   This is a one-time thing (which can be modified later if necessary) and does not cost anything.

When you want to order fish, you will need to tell us the Site Permit number so that we can check that the fish you have ordered are covered on your permit.

Here is a link for you to see how things have changed.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/permission-to-move-live-fish-to-or-from-a-fishery

The Registration document from Cefas outlines your legal obligations and is valid for the duration of your operation / ownership of the water.  It does not require renewal on an annual basis, but should any information change you are required to inform Cefas in writing by email or post as soon as possible.

Fish Health Inspectorate Cefas, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Tel +44 (0)1305 206700

Once registered you can apply for your Site Permit from the Environment Agency

‍

Site Permit

You must apply for a site permit before you introduce or remove fish from your site. Permits are permanent and free.

For movements in England please contact the Environment Agency fish movements team by phone on 0208 474 5243 or email at fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If in Wales contact Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000 or email at enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.

We know this sounds onerous but in truth it is not, particularly if you are a fully enclosed still water.