Public Notice: Introduction of the Sussex IFCA minimum size byelaw

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority 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; Rt. Hon. Steve Reed MP. The new Byelaw applies to all fishers within the Sussex district, both commercial and recreational.

The fisheries management measures introduced under the new Byelaw will increase the sustainability of fish and shellfish populations within the Sussex IFCA District, by reducing juvenile mortality and increasing the stock of sexually mature individuals available for reproduction. Application of minimum sizes for fish species is a widely accepted tool for the sustainable management of fisheries, and whilst some species are subject to existing Minimum Conservation Reference Size regulations, the new Byelaw will amalgamate these measures, extend it to species not already considered, and apply it to all fishers within the Sussex IFCA District and the commercial supply chain.

Alongside the new Byelaw, a code of conduct for handling elasmobranch species, including huss, smoothhounds, skates and rays, has been developed and will be shared with stakeholders with the intention of increasing survivability of these species.

Sussex IFCA have produced extensive guidance for stakeholders on the Minimum Size (Fish, Crustacea and Mollusc) Byelaw 2021. The species lists and applied minimum sizes can be found, with the Byelaw in full and further guidance, on the Sussex IFCA web pages https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/regulations.

Tackle box stickers highlighting minimum sizes of common species within Sussex have been produced and officers will be distributing these whilst on patrols throughout the district. Businesses can request stickers by emailing Sussex IFCA at admin@sussex-ifca.gov.uk. Stickers will not be posted.

Chief Fisheries & Conservation Officer for the Authority, Rob Pearson explains:

‘Whilst developing this Byelaw, the Authority has spent considerable time consulting with Stakeholders to consider the impacts of the new management measures. We have produced extensive guidance for the recreational and commercial sectors to ensure they have a good understanding of the new regulations, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure understanding and compliance. Our approach reflects the Authorities vision to champion a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries within the District, by protecting juvenile fish and shellfish stocks and increasing their ability to reproduce and contribute to the overall stock.’

Further information about Sussex IFCA

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) was created in 2010. The Sussex IFCA is funded by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council. The Sussex IFCA is tasked with the sustainable management of inshore sea fisheries resources within its District that extends 6 nautical miles seaward from the Sussex coastline.

Contact Details

If you would like to know more then please contact Sussex IFCA at admin@sussex-ifca.gov.uk, call 01273 454407 or visit our website www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk

Key contacts

Rob Pearson, Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer: r.pearson@ sussex-ifca.gov.uk

Angharad Purcell, Deputy Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer: a.purcell@sussex-ifca.gov.uk

Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

12A Riverside Business Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE

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