Permission to move live fish to or from a fishery
Get consent to introduce (site permit) or remove fish (excluding fish farms): application forms and rules.
Applies to England
The Environment Agency regulates the movement of all live fish, fry and ova to and from fisheries (rivers, canals, drains and stillwaters).
If you do not have a permit or authorisation, it’s against the law to:
- introduce any fish or fish spawn into a fishery
- remove fish from a fishery (unless using a rod and line, when different rules apply)
- be in possession of any fish or fish spawn intended for introduction to a fishery
You may also have to get a fish health check if you want to stock fish in rivers, canals and lakes connected to open waters.
Different rules apply to fish farms.
If you introduce fish without consent you may be prosecuted and fined up to £50,000.
Get a permit to introduce fish to a fishery or keep certain non-native fish
You must get a site permit before you introduce fish into your fishery.
To apply for a permit please contact the Environment Agency fish movements team or complete the .
You will need:
- your fishery’s registration number
- to be the responsible person for the fishery
- a list of the fish species you are looking to keep or want to introduce
- details about any non-native species that may be present
Permits are free and permanent. You can get advice from the Environment Agency before you apply.
Get a permit to move or supply fish
If you supply fish or move fish between sites you will need to hold a supplier permit.
This does not apply to movements between fish farms or garden ponds.
To apply for a site permit please contact the Environment Agency fish movements team.
Get authorisation to use fishing instruments like nets and traps
You must get written consent to use fishing instruments like nets and traps (different rules apply for rod and line).
You can get advice from the Environment Agency before you apply.
Authorisation is free.
Before getting a site permit
Before getting a site permit you may need to:
- register your fishery
- get a fish health check
Register your fishery
Fisheries must be registered with the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Application to register a fishery or cropping water
Rivers and canals do not need to be registered.
Get a fish health check
You may also have to get a fish health check if you want to stock fish in rivers, canals and lakes connected to open waters.
How long consent takes
Consent usually takes up to 10 working days, but may take up to 20.
It may take longer if:
- you need a fish health check
- the fishery is in a protected area, like a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
Contact the Environment Agency fish movements team
Email: fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 0208 474 5243
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Last updated 13 April 2023 + show all updates
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Added links to guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Removed a reference to COVID-19 slowing response times in the 'contact' section.
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We have updated the 'Contact' section: Because of COVID-19, we may not be able to process posted applications as quickly as usual. We can still process your application by email.
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Due to COVID-19 we cannot process applications by post. Please email fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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Update SR1 and FR2 Forms
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Added SP1 Form for site permits
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Environment Agency fish movements team (authorisations) telephone number changed to 0208 474 5243.
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Renamed the application form and clarified text to better explain that permissions are given for the use of equipment only during removals.
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Update of the ‘Application for authorisation to use fishing instruments other than rod and line in England’ (FR2) form to reflect changes in fish movements legislation and clarification of other permissions required when removing fish.
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Fine limit for introducing fish without consent corrected from £2,500 to £50,000
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Updated due to legislation changes
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Updated implementation date for new fish movement law
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First published.