D&S IFCA is inviting all stakeholders to respond to the formal public consultation on proposed amendments to existing Commercial and Recreational Netting Permit Conditions.
D&S IFCA is inviting everyone to respond to the formal public consultation on proposed amendments to existing commercial and recreational Netting Permit Conditions. The formal public consultation has begun and will end on 24th April 2026. We have directly contacted everyone on our (email) mailing list using Mailchimp. We are also writing to permit holders that have not provided an email address.
The information is also available in pdf format and can be viewed and downloaded here.
All stakeholders (for example fishermen with permits, recreational anglers, organisations, or anyone with an interest in the marine environment) can respond to each part of the formal public consultation even if they do not conduct commercial or recreational netting within the D&S IFCA’s District.
The formal public consultation circular provides details about what changes are being proposed by Members of the Byelaw and Permitting Sub-Committee and how you can respond. It also sets out the rationale for the proposed changes.
Summary of Proposed Changes
Each of the proposed changes are explained in more detail within the formal consultation circular or pdf document. In summary, the formal public consultation focuses on the following:
Proposals relating to Commercial Netting Permit Holders (Category One Netting Permits):
- A prohibition on the catch, retention of, and landing of bass by a Category One Permit Holder operating a non-powered vessel or a licenced fishing vessel without a bass authorisation.
- A prohibition on the removal of more than five lobsters (including spiny lobster), and twenty five crabs (mixture of species as defined) in any calendar day from a fishery within the District from a non-powered vessel or a licenced fishing vessel without a shellfish fishing entitlement.
- The introduction of Category One Permit Conditions to limit the amount and length of net that can be fished by a Category One Netting Permit Holder operating a non-powered fishing vessel.
- The introduction of Category One Permit Conditions to require Category One Permit Holders operating non-powered fishing vessels to supply catch related data to the Authority.
Proposals relating to both Commercial and Recreational Netting Permit Holders (Category One and Category Two Netting Permits):
- A relaxation of a current Netting Permit Condition relating to the requirement of using flags to mark fixed nets (however all nets
Your Response
The formal public consultation is not a questionnaire but does include some prompts to help you set out your response. Your response can be as detailed as you wish and relate to all or any of the proposed changes.
Sending in your response/contacting us
- Contact us via email – consultation@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk
- Write to us: D&S IFCA, Brixham Laboratory, Freshwater Quarry, Brixham, TQ5 8BA.
- Call us to find out more about the formal consultation – 01803 854648 (Extension 856)
What do we do with your information – Privacy Policy.
The formal public consultation includes a privacy notice. D&S IFCA protects any personal data it receives and has a privacy policy which you can read here. Any personal data submitted in this formal public consultation will not be shared with other organisations or placed in the public domain.
What happens next?
The responses submitted in the formal public consultation will be collated and summarised into a report for the Byelaw and Permitting Sub-Committee (B&PSC). At the next meeting of the B&PSC, potentially in June 2026, the B&PSC will discuss the responses and determine what changes, if any, will be made to the Netting Permit Conditions.
Background Reports & Papers (Links) and keeping you informed.
Reports and Officers’ papers of most significance to this review of the Netting Permit Conditions are available on D&S IFCA’s website:
We regularly post information about our work on our website/Facebook. Direct communication is often the best way to help you stay informed about our work and to highlight the opportunities for you to have your say on a range of topics or issues. If you are not already on our mailing list, then you can get yourself added by contacting D&S IFCA. You will then be directly notified of all our consultations.