All fish, shellfish and crustacean farms are legally required to be authorised by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. Also all stocked and cropped waters – apart from rivers and canals – must be registered with the FHI. Until your fishery or cropping water is registered, you will not get consent from the Environment Agency to stock your waters or remove fish from them.

Before setting up a new fish, shellfish or crustacean farm, or before starting any related development, you must apply to the FHI to have it authorised. Once you have met all of the FHI’s requirements and have an approved documented biosecurity measures plan in place, you will be issued with a certificate of authorisation and be able to stock and trade your farm.

There are conditions of authorisation that your farm will have to observe such as keeping records of all movements in the prescribed format and following good hygiene practice. The FHI can suspend or revoke your authorisation if they believe that you aren’t complying with the conditions of your authorisation.

This guide explains how to apply for authorisation for your farm and register your fishery. It also sets out your legal responsibilities and tells you how to make changes to your authorisation or registration if necessary.

Read the rest of this guide on the Business Link website.