Using fishing instruments and removing live fish from inland waters

Before using fishing instruments (other than rod and line) and removing fish from inland waters, the written consent of the Environment Agency must be obtained. The written consent is usually a one-off 'permission' issued for a specified date and site and is often referred to as "Byelaw Consent". To obtain Byelaw Consent, a national application form must be completed. Guidance notes are available to help the applicant through the process. If the application is successful, consent will be issued.

Using fishing instruments (other than rod and line) within England and Wales

The Environment Agency regulates the use of certain fishing instruments (for example seine nets) through fisheries byelaws. These are designed to protect fisheries from activities such as poaching. Although fisheries byelaws may vary across Environment Agency Regions, the national application form has been designed to enable applicants to use the same form irrespective of the Environment Agency Region they wish to use the equipment in. If the application is successful, consent will be issued.

Removing fish from inland waters within England and Wales

The Environment Agency regulates the removal of fish from inland waters in England and Wales to protect fisheries and the environment from aspects such as the impacts of inappropriate fish transfers and disease transmission. The national application form enables an application to be made for this at the same time as for using fishing instruments (other than rod and line).