Exemptions to Byelaws

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Exemptions to Byelaws

Page review/updated 30/10/2025

(Content of page/table last updated: 30th October 2025)

Byelaws

Devon and Severn IFCA (D&S IFCA) manages fishing activity within its District using different byelaws, some of which are permit based byelaws.

The D&S IFCA Byelaw Booklet can be viewed here.

D&S IFCA’s permit based byelaws include mobile fishing, potting, netting, and diving (for specified species). The permit based byelaws and the associated permit conditions (and Annexes) can be viewed here.

Fishing activities taking place within the District must be carried out in accordance with the relevant Byelaws and Permit Conditions. However, for specific activities it is possible to conduct fishing activities under an exemption from D&S IFCA’s Byelaws.

Exemptions to Byelaws

Under the Exemptions Byelaw 2019, the Authority (D&S IFCA) can authorise exemptions to its byelaws and permit conditions. Authorised exemptions are intended to allow activities carried out for specific scientific, stocking or breeding purposes, that would otherwise be in contravention of a byelaw or byelaws. This is dependent on specific criteria and the types of activity planned to be undertaken.

In addition, it is possible for the Authority to authorise exemptions from the Size of Fishing Vessels Byelaw 2022, to allow activities carried out for specific maintenance, scientific, stocking or breeding purposes by relevant fishing vessels over 14.99 m in overall length.

Applying for an Exemption

If you wish to carry out fishing activities outside of the scope of D&S IFCA’s byelaws, you must first apply for an exemption. Different application forms are available for your use depending which byelaw(s) the exemption request relates to, and the activity to be undertaken. Authorisations must be obtained from D&S IFCA before activity requiring an exemption is undertaken. Failure to comply constitutes an offence.

If in doubt about the type of exemption you require, please contact D&S IFCA’s Office on 01803 854648 or at exemptions@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk

Exemptions Byelaw 2019:

Applications (under the Exemptions Byelaw 2019) for scientific, stocking or breeding purposes are typically requested by organisations such as Cefas, the Environment Agency, or researchers working for universities. This may relate, for example, to scientific surveys with nets, pots or other fishing gear within the District, otherwise than in accordance with a Permit. Requests can be made using the application form that can be downloaded using the links below. The application form can also be provided by contacting D&S IFCA’s Office.

Exemptions Byelaw 2019 – Authorisation Request Form (Word Format)
Exemptions Byelaw 2019 – Authorisation Request Form (PDF Format)
Exemptions@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk (to obtain the application form)

Although applications are determined and processed as quickly as possible, this can take up to 60 days of receipt of the application.

Size of Fishing Vessels Byelaw 2022 (Exemptions)

Exemptions relating to the Size of Fishing Vessels Byelaw 2022, only relate to fishing vessels over 14.99 metres in length, which have a valid Certificate of Registry and a valid Fishing Licence. As well as exemptions for scientific, stocking and breeding purposes, consideration can also be given to requests relating to maintenance activity.

Maintenance activity includes deploying, towing, pushing, or hauling of fishing gear. Please note that requests for exemptions (as maintenance) will not be authorised for activities directed towards adjustment or refinement of fishing gear.

It is envisaged that requests for maintenance exemptions would be, for example, made by an owner of a large beam trawler over 14.99 metres in overall length that needs to have its hydraulics evaluated under load with fishing gear deployed in the District.

To enable these types of exemption requests to be processed as quickly as possible, applications can be made by telephone and with D&S IFCA Officers completing the application form on behalf of an applicant. An applicant also has the option to complete the form themselves ahead of the activity taking place and provide it to D&S IFCA for consideration and processing.

Exemptions@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk (to obtain the application form)

Telephone Maintenance Applications: 01803 854648

Officers will ask the applicant for relevant information to complete the application form that can be downloaded using the links below:

The application form includes a privacy notice. The activity cannot take place until the applicant has received written approval from D&S IFCA. The granted exemption will contain conditions to be followed during the period when the exemption will apply.