Trawling

Trawling is a term used to describe a net or nets which are towed behind a vessel to catch a variety of fish species and sometimes shellfish species.

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

Cornwall IFCA byelaws relevant to trawling are listed below.
If you would like any guidance or advice on the fisheries legislation applied within the Cornwall IFCA district, please  contact us.

Trawling byelaws

Trawling byelaw
The maximum overall length for a boat which is trawling in the district is 18.28 metres.
The maximum engine power for a boat which is trawling in the district is 221 kW (approximalty 300HP).

Trawling in Parts of District byelaw
All trawling is prohibited in some areas

Minimum sizes for some fish and shellfish species

Specified Fish Sizes byelaw
Crabs byelaw
Lobster byelaw
Crawfish byelaw
Spider Crab byelaw

Full list of minimum sizes which apply in Cornwall

Prohibition on the use of bottom towed gears,  including demersal otter trawl and beam trawl in some areas

In addition to the areas where all trawling is banned, there are some Marine Protected Areas which are fully or partially closed to bottom towed gear. 

Closed Areas (European Marine Sites) byelaw

Manacles Marine Conservation Zone byelaw

Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (Fishing Restrictions) Byelaw 2018

 
Restrictions on retaining crabs, lobsters and crawfish