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.

Get a permit to introduce fish to a fishery or keep certain non-native fish

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• your fishery’s registration number
• to be the responsible personperson, business or organisation (legal entity) for the fishery
• to know if the site has a listconservation designation
• details of the fish species you are looking to keepintroduce or keep
• the size and weight ranges of fish species that you want to introduce (for rivers, canals, or stillwaters with a conservation designation) and how often the species will be introduced
• details about any non-native species that may be present

Permits are free and usually permanent. You can get advice from the Environment Agency before you apply.

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permit to move or supply fish

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This does not apply to movements between fish farms or garden ponds.

To apply for a live fish supplier permit contact the FishEnvironment HealthAgency Inspectoratefish movements team.

Register your fishery

ApplicationBefore getting a live fish movement site permit you may need to register ayour fishery orwith croppingthe waterFish Health Inspectorate.

Rivers and canals do not need to be registered.

Get a fish health check

You or your fish supplier may also have to get a fish health check if you want to stock fish in rivers, canals and lakes connected to open waters.

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  Contact

  Fish themovements team

  Environment Agency

  Email fish movements team

  Email: fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk

  Telephone:

  Telephone 0208 474 5243