When it comes to harvesting from the sea, the UK stands apart from many countries by allowing recreational spearfishing without a general national spearfishing licence. However, in most regions recreational dive permits are required when foraging for particular species. A responsible spearfisher or coastal forager needs to understand where licences are required, when permissions apply, and how local bylaws, conservation zones, and fisheries rules can affect what you may take. Ethical harvesting isn’t just about how we collect food from the sea, it’s about respecting the legal frameworks that help safeguard wildlife, habitat, and future stock.
Important Disclaimer
UK marine and harvesting laws change regularly and vary by location. This article provides general guidance only and does not replace official legal advice or government regulation. Always check up to date local rules from the appropriate authority before harvesting. We recommend contacting your local IFCA organisation for the most up to date information in your area.
Unlike freshwater angling, which typically requires an Environment Agency rod licence, recreational spearfishing in UK coastal waters does not currently require a licence. Similarly, most casual shoreline foraging (such as hand-collecting seaweed, molluscs, crustaceans, or shellfish for personal consumption) is generally legal in public access areas and within personal use limits. However, this is only the starting point and several important restrictions still apply, including size limits, seasonal closures, protected species, no-take zones, private land ownership, and restrictions around commercial harvesting. Understanding the nuances of each helps you avoid accidental harm or fines while remaining a trusted member of the coastal community.
Spearfishing in the UK – Licensing & Legal Considerations
No recreational licence required, but the following rules still apply:
- You must comply with minimum landing sizes, bag limits, and closed seasons
- You must not target protected species, spawning aggregations, or species restricted under local bylaws
- Spearfishing with scuba equipment is not permitted
- Many harbours, estuaries, marine infrastructure areas, and bathing beaches prohibit spearfishing for safety or wildlife protection
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and No-Take Zones may prohibit removal of any marine life
- Spearfishing in freshwater rivers is not permitted
Private waters, fisheries, or certain coastal estates may require explicit permission regardless of method.
For up to date information on all local bylaws relating to harvesting local marine life, be sure to subscribe to updates from your local IFCA (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority) organisation.
Foraging in the UK – Licensing, Permissions & Boundaries
Shoreline foraging for personal use is generally permitted without a licence. However, if you intend on diving or potting for crabs, lobster or scallops you will most likely need to apply for a licence through your local IFCA organisation.
The application is known as a recreational dive or potting permit, depending on requirement. Applications generally only cost £20 and remain valid for 2 years.
Regardless of whether the license is required in your area, it is always important to adhere to the below:
- Personal consumption only – no commercial selling without appropriate licences/permissions
- Follow local minimum size and catch limits for shellfish and crustaceans
- No-take species, SSSIs, MCZs, bird reserves, and private estates may be restricted, but check your local bylaws for up to date info
- Seaweed rules vary – cutting is usually allowed for personal use, uprooting is often prohibited
Foraging inland, on private land, saltmarsh, or estuarine zones may require permission from landowners, councils, the Crown Estate, or conservation authorities.
Check your local IFCA organisation to see whether you need a recreational diving or potting permit in your area and for up to date information regarding minimum landing sizes and other catch limits.
Follow the link to see the Diving Permit Bylaw for the Devon & Severn IFCA. Bylaws vary by region.
A Note on Enforcement & Responsibility
The UK has a complex patchwork of rules which involve:
- IFCAs (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities)
- Marine Management Organisation
- Environment Agency
- Local councils
- Crown Estate
- Harbour authorities
- Nature reserves and trusts
This means what is legal in one area may be illegal one headland over.
Because of this, it is your responsibility to check current, local regulations before harvesting. Regulations evolve based on stock health, conservation needs, and science-based monitoring and therefore staying updated is not only your responsibility but part of your ethical obligation.
Final Thought
Spearfishing and foraging in the UK remain accessible, rewarding, and sustainable when knowledge, respect, and responsibility are prioritised alongside skill. The question is less, “Do I need a licence?” and more “Am I fully informed and operating within best practice?”