Catching and Aquaculture Regulation | Seafish

Catching and Aquaculture Regulation

This page shares Seafish guidance on the regulations governing seafood catching and farming in UK waters.



The UK’s Fisheries Act 2020 is the primary legislation for managing fisheries in the UK, replacing EU legislation after EU exit. It introduces Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) to ensure sustainable fishing practices. UK vessels can access all domestic waters, with a Joint Fisheries Statement ensuring coordinated management plans across the UK. 

Marine environment regulation protects water quality, habitats, and marine life. It also tackles issues like marine litter and climate change. Responsibilities spread across various regulatory bodies, making management complex. 

While Seafish provides advice and resources to help industry navigate fisheries and marine regulations, we are not a regulator.  

Aquaculture regulation  

The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has developed guidance on English aquaculture regulations.

This resource, hosted by Seafish, helps businesses and regulators navigate the regulatory landscape for finfish, bivalves, crustaceans, and macroalgae. It also includes quick guides for both regulators and industry on key aquaculture regulations. 

Veterinary Residues 

Veterinary medicines are sometimes used to treat fish and shellfish. While approved medicines are permitted, legislation sets Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for different substances and species. Using unapproved medicines is prohibited.  

For more information, please see our dedicated guidance: 

Bivalve aquaculture regulations  

Bivalve shellfish are a sustainable and nutritious food source. However, as filter feeders, they can accumulate harmful microbes and toxins from their environment.  

Regulatory measures are in place to ensure bivalves reaching the market are safe. These include:

  • Monitoring water quality 
  • Classifying harvesting areas
  • Testing for contaminants like E. coli and biotoxins. 

Seafish advises on Good Management Practice for bivalves. We work alongside industry, researchers, and regulators to improve the availability of safe bivalves. 

Animal welfare 

We collaborate with industry and government to provide advice and guidance on animal welfare issues. Our work includes supporting the development of best practices for shellfish handling and fish welfare risk mitigation. 

Ecosystem Services  

For information on the environmental benefits of bivalves and other marine species, visit our Ecosystem Services page:

Further resources

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