Eel and elver: apply for permission to catch by net or trap
When you can get permission to catch eel or elver by trap or net in England. How to apply and rules to follow.
Applies to England
The European eel is critically endangered.
Fishing for elvers: changes from 1 January 2026
You can now only apply to fish for elvers (juvenile European eels) if it is for specific approved purpose that is not harmful to the species.
This is because of:
- losses in holding facilities
- the risks of capturing a critically endangered species when the purpose is not clear
The Environment Agency has stopped issuing standard condition authorisations for elver fishing.
Which elver fishing applications are considered
Your elver fishing application will only be considered if you can demonstrate, with evidence, that it is for one of the following purposes:
- an approved stocking plan or permit
- an approved scientific programme
- a viable export market evidenced by a ‘minded to’ letter from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirming that the export can take place
- activities that can be demonstrated as not harmful to eel stocks or the wider environment
Other evidence you will need to provide with your elver fishing application
For stocking activities
You will also need provide:
- a copy of your approved stocking plan or permit
- details of where you will stock the elvers
- information on holding facilities and transport arrangements
For scientific programmes
You will also need provide:
- details of the scientific programme
- evidence of approval from relevant bodies
- how the research will benefit eel conservation
- information on holding facilities
For export
You will also need provide:
- a ‘minded to’ letter from Defra or APHA confirming an approved export market
- details of the destination and end use
- information on holding facilities and transport arrangements
For other activities
You will also need provide:
- a detailed explanation of your proposed activity
- evidence demonstrating how your activity will not damage eel stocks or the wider environment
- any relevant risk assessments
- information on holding facilities, where applicable
How elver fishing applications are assessed
The Environment Agency will review your application before deciding whether to issue an authorisation.
They will consider if:
- the proposed activity meets one of the acceptable purposes
- the activity is harmful to eels or the species in general, fisheries or the wider environment
- there is suitable mitigation for any risks
- you have given appropriate assurances
The Environment Agency may need to consult with other statutory conservation bodies as part of their assessment if your proposal:
- is within a protected habitat
- could affect this and other protected species
Fishing for adult eel
You can only get permission for yellow and silver eel fishing if you are already authorised to fish.
Charges
Adult eels using fixed trap (eel racks)
£115
Adult eels using fyke nets (with or without leaders or wings), putcheons, pipe traps, criggs pots, baskets and hives
| Number of instruments covered | Charge |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | £60 |
| 11 to 20 | £70 |
| 21 to 50 | £80 |
| 51 to 500 | £160 |
| over 500 | £580 |
Apply for permission or find out more
Fish movements team
Environment Agency
Email fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 0208 474 5243
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Catch returns
You must send catch returns forms at the end of the season even if you do not catch anything.
For eels and elvers, you must submit catch returns within 30 days of your permission expiring.
You can use the catch return form or logbook you get when you are given permission.
If you do not send your catch returns you might not get permission to fish next season.