Hand Gathering

Hand gathering is a term used to define the collection of fish or shellfish by hand. This  may take place in the intertidal area or at sea by snorkelling and diving. Hand gathering is carried out recreationally and commercially, mainly for shellfish. 

Within the  Cornwall IFCA district you must comply with local byelaws and National legislation.

Cornwall IFCA byelaws relevant to hand gathering are listed below.

If you would like any guidance or advice on the fisheries legislation applied within the Cornwall IFCA district, please  contact us.

Hand Gathering byelaws

Cornwall IFCA has no byelaws that restrict bait digging or gathering. There may be some areas where these activities are restricted, for example, by local harbour byelaws which restrict bait gathering around moorings. 

Hand gathering mussels, oysters, cockles, clams and other bivalves.
National and European rules apply to the hand gathering  of bivalve species, covering subjects such as minimum shellfish sizes. The commercial gathering of bivalves for human consumption is subject to them being taken from a designated area where water quality is monitored and classified as suitable by the Food Standards Agency. For local information on harvesting areas and shellfish depuration please contact the Port Health Authority. Those collecting bivalves recreationally for their own consumption are not restricted by Port Health water quality closures but are strongly advised to contact Port Health for updates on any closed areas where water quality may put human health at risk. Those diving commercially for shellfish must also abide by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rules for commercial diving

Minimum sizes for fish  
Full list of minimum sizes that apply in Cornwall.
Byelaws for the regulation of cockle harvesting in Cornish estuaries.
Specified Fish Sizes byelaw

Restricting the gathering of some bivalve species in some areas.
Gathering mussels and oysters in a large part of the Fal is prohibited unless it is carried out under a licence issued by Cornwall IFCA. Fishing time, seasonal restrictions and specific minimum sizes for native oysters and mussels also apply.
Click here for more information on the Fal Fishery Order.

Voluntary code of practice.
In addition to the above rules there is a voluntary code of practice in place for the harvesting of winkles.
Cornwall IFCA Code of Practice for Winkle Fishing.