Welcome to Sussex IFCA

5 Years of the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw

Sussex IFCA is celebrating five years of the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw, protecting 304 km² of nearshore seabed from towed fishing gears. 

The byelaw safeguards kelp beds, mussel beds, and chalk reefs, supporting species like bass, cuttlefish, and black seabream, while promoting sustainable fisheries. 

Annual Report 

The Sussex IFCA Annual Report for the period April 2024 - March 2025 is now available. 

The IFCA are required, under MaCAA '09, to produce an annual report, which seeks to provide an account of the work delivered during the previous reporting year. This report is sent to the Secretary of State annually following the end of the financial year.

Minimum Size (Fish, Crustacea and Mollusc) Byelaw 2021

The Sussex IFCA are happy to report that fish, crustacean and mollusc stocks will now receive greater protection in Sussex inshore waters, thanks to the introduction of a Byelaw designed to prevent the taking of juvenile or undersized fish and shellfish species. The Minimum Size (Fish, Crustacea and Mollusc) Byelaw 2021 has been approved by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The new Byelaw applies to all fishers within the Sussex district, both commercial and recreational.

Hand Gathering (Restrictions and Permitting) Byelaw 2021

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority are pleased to report that the exploitation of sea fisheries resources within the District will receive enhanced management by ensuring the long-term sustainability of shore gathering activities on marine organisms, in the Sussex IFCA District intertidal areas. The Hand Gathering (Restrictions and Permitting) Byelaw 2021 has been approved by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs The new Byelaw introduces bag limits for  various specified species, for anyone hand gathering within the Sussex IFCA district.

• Read More
• Media Release (PDF)
• Poster (JPEG)

Consultation Outcomes: Netting Permit Byelaw 2019 

The second formal consultation for the amendments to the Sussex IFCA proposed Netting Permit Byelaw 2019 closed on 17th June 2024. Please refer to the links below to view the consultation outcomes and FAQs on the Byelaw and associated Flexible Permit Conditions. 

• Netting Permit Byelaw 2019 FAQs (PDF)
• Consultation Outcomes (PDF)

General Member to IFCA Committees

The MMO have been given responsibility by DEFRA to manage the process of making appointments of General Members to IFCA Committees.

Fisheries Management Plan Blog

With the goal of making the development and implementation of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) more open, accessible and inclusive, Defra’s FMP blog provides news, consultation updates and implementation information for stakeholders.

Visit the blog to read the latest updates, respond to consultations, find FMP events, and subscribe for new posts.

Ghost Fishing

Ghost Fishing UK is a registered charity of volunteer scuba divers, trained in surveying and removing lost fishing gear from UK waters. If you or your vessel has accidently lost fishing gear, please follow the link below to report it. The gear can then be recovered and reunited to the owners, as quickly as possible. 

Bass Regulations for Commercial and Recreational Fishing

To protect the vulnerable bass population in European seas new regulation is in place.

Fixed Engines Byelaw — Summer Restrictions in Effect

Fishers are reminded that summer restrictions under the Fixed Engines Byelaw are in effect from 1st May until 30th September. Fixed nets are restricted around harbour entrances at Rye, Cuckmere Haven, Newhaven, Brighton Marina, Shoreham, and Littlehampton. Additional restrictions apply within Chichester Harbour, where fyke nets are the only fixed engine permitted during this period. Please read more below to ensure your activities are compliant.