Apply for a Permit

Byelaw 3 – Permit to Fish for Cockles and Mussels

To renew your Byelaw 3 permit, please download and complete the renewal form below:

• Byelaw 3 Renewal Form and Guidance Notes 2024/25

Please send in your renewal form and payment before 31^st July 2024.

Byelaw 3 Waiting List

If you wish to join the waiting list for Byelaw 3 permit to hand gather cockles and mussels within the district, please complete the waiting list application below and email it to [email protected] or post it to the Whitehaven office (address at the bottom of the page).

• Byelaw 3 Waiting List Form 16 & Over
• Byelaw 3 Waiting List Form Ages 12-15

Prospecting

If you are a Byelaw 3 permit holder and wish to take a sample from a closed bed, please read our guidance and complete the application form.

You can find this here.

Byelaw 4 – Permit to Fish with Pots

Commercial

To apply for a commercial potting permit to pot from a licensed vessel, download the application form available below.

• Byelaw 4 Application Form – Category 1 Commercial
• Byelaw 4 Application Form – Category 1 Commercial Whelk
• Guidance for Permit Applicants

Recreational

To apply for a recreational potting permit under NWIFCA Byelaw 4, download the application form available below. This permit replaces the NWIFCA Byelaw 30 and CSFC Byelaw 26 hobby potting permit. You will need this permit whether you are fishing from a boat or from the shore. Please note all pots require require an escape gap of 80mm wide x 45mm high by 100mm long.

• Byelaw 4 Application Form – Category 2 Recreational
• Guidance for Permit Applicants

Byelaws 26 and 27 – Fixed Engines and Mobile Nets

To apply for a permit under NWSFC Byelaws 26 and 27, please use the forms below.

• Byelaws 26 and 27 Application Form

Completed application forms can be emailed to [email protected] or sent via post to:

NWIFCA
6 Duncan Square
Whitehaven
Cumbria
CA28 7LN 

Please include your mobile number on your application to be notified via text when applications are open for the next year. To ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible please include all requested documents before submitting.