Clarification (Published 08/06/17) The NWIFCA have received several requests to issue clarification on what is meant by a “Flexible Permit Scheme”. A Flexible Permit Scheme means the conditions of the permit may change fishery to fishery. The flexibility is not intended to relate to the numbers of permits available. A specific question about the management and number of permits is included in the consultation. NWIFCA are reviewing Byelaw 3 (Permit to Fish for Cockles and Mussels) and are conducting an informal consultation with all stakeholders on the management measures to be included in the new byelaw. Subject to consultation it is the IFCA’s intention that the new byelaw will regulate hand gathering of Cockles and Mussels across the district and will include a flexible permit scheme and the regulation of those buying cockles. Where necessary the backgrounds to the measures reference other byelaws which are relevant. This represents all stakeholders’ opportunity to have input into these management measures. The input will be reported to the Technical Science and Byelaws Sub-Committee (TSB) on the 8th August 2017. NWIFCA will only consider written submissions and verbal/phone input cannot be considered. NWIFCA request that you give your reasoning behind your answers. The deadline…

Notice is hereby given that the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority intends to apply to the Minister for the Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs for the confirmation of the following Byelaws: 1. PROHIBITION ON FOUL HOOKING 2017 This byelaw will prohibit the practice of foul hooking sea fish. It will replace the current NW & NWSFC Byelaw 18  and Cumbria SFC Byelaw 17. Click here to download the full text of the Byelaw. 2. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF A DREDGE 2017 This byelaw will prohibit the use of dredges towed by vessels or vehicles for fishing within the NWIFCA District without a permit. In addition the Authority may attach conditions which may be varied to promote sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources. Click here to download the full text of the Byelaw. Any person who wishes to object to the confirmation of these byelaws must send a statement of their objection in writing to both the Marine Conservation and Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, P.O. Box  1275, Newcastle, NE99 5BN (or [email protected]), and the North Western IFCA, 1 Preston Street, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9BY (or [email protected]) within 28 days of the publication of this notice.

The Emergency Byelaw: Restrictions on Fishing for Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish 2016 has been extended until 1 August 2017. For more information see the Emergency Byelaw and the confirmation of extension.