Scallop dredging is a term used to describe the use of dredges which are towed along the seabed behind a vessel to catch scallops. The catch may also include other fish and shellfish species.
Within the Cornwall IFCA district you must comply with local byelaws and National legislation.
Cornwall IFCA byelaws relevant to scallop dredging are listed below. If you would like any guidance or advice on the fisheries legislation applied within the Cornwall IFCA district, please contact us.
Shellfish Boats byelaw. The maximum overall length for a boat which is fishing for shellfish in the district is 16.46m.
Scallop Dredge (Limited Fishing Time) byelaw Dredging for scallops is prohibited between 19:00hrs and 07:00hrs, every day.
Methods of Fishing (Dredges) byelaw The maximum number of dredges that can be used at any one time is a total of 12. The maximum overall width of a dredge must not exceed 85cm. The belly rings must not have an inside diameter of less than 75mm The backnetting of a dredge must not have a mesh size of less than 100mm. The maximum length of a towing bar must not exceed 5.18m. Parts of Escallops byelaw Scallops which are kept or landed must be whole. It is an offence to cut a scallop meat from its shell before it is landed ashore. Prohibition of the use of bottom towed gear in some areas The use of bottom towed gear, such as scallop dredges and demersal trawls, is prohibited in some areas.
Closed Areas (European Marine Sites) byelaw Manacles Marine Conservation Zone byelaw Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (Fishing Restrictions) Byelaw 2018 Regulation of Scallop Dredging in the Fal and Helford European Marine Site
Minimum sizes for fish and shellfish species
Full list of minimum sizes which apply in Cornwall
Specified Fish Sizes byelaw
Restrictions on retaining crabs, lobsters and crawfish
There are a number of restrictions on retaining crabs, lobsters and crawfish. If you wish to keep these species you may need a Cornwall IFCA shellfish permit, and you will need to be aware of a number of other rules related to crustaceans. All of these can be found within the Potting section of this web site.