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Guidance

Apply to move live fish to or from a fishery

Get permission to introduce (site permit) or remove fish (excluding fish farms): application forms and rules.

Updates to this page

From:
Environment Agency, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published:
16 May 2014
Last updated:
31 March 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated to add a new online form to apply for permission to introduce or keep fish in inland waters. Added a section to outline the process for renewing or changing the details on a live fish movement site permit. Linked to an updated guide and form for applying to use fishing instruments other than rod and line in England.

  2. Added links to guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Removed a reference to COVID-19 slowing response times in the 'contact' section.

  3. We have updated the 'Contact' section: Because of COVID-19, we may not be able to process posted applications as quickly as usual. We can still process your application by email.

  4. Due to COVID-19 we cannot process applications by post. Please email fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk.

  5. Update SR1 and FR2 Forms

  6. Added SP1 Form for site permits

  7. Environment Agency fish movements team (authorisations) telephone number changed to 0208 474 5243.

  8. Renamed the application form and clarified text to better explain that permissions are given for the use of equipment only during removals.

  9. Update of the ‘Application for authorisation to use fishing instruments other than rod and line in England’ (FR2) form to reflect changes in fish movements legislation and clarification of other permissions required when removing fish.

  10. Fine limit for introducing fish without consent corrected from £2,500 to £50,000

  11. Updated due to legislation changes

  12. Updated implementation date for new fish movement law

  13. First published.

Applies to England

The Environment Agency regulates the movement of all live fish, fry and ova to and from fisheries (rivers, canals, drains and stillwaters).

If you do not have a permit or authorisation, it’s against the law to:

  • introduce any fish or fish spawn into a fishery
  • remove fish from a fishery (unless using a rod and line, when different rules apply
  • be in possession of any fish or fish spawn intended for introduction to a fishery

You may also have to get a fish health check if you want to stock fish in rivers, canals and lakes connected to open waters.

Different rules apply to fish farms.

If you introduce fish without a permit you may be prosecuted and fined up to £50,000.

Get a permit to introduce fish to a fishery or keep certain non-native fish

You must apply for permission to introduce or keep fish in inland waters before you introduce fish to your fishery. This is also known as a live fish movement site permit.

The source of the fish must be a registered aquaculture production business if you are introducing them to: 

  • a river 
  • a canal 
  • stillwater that has a conservation designation

To complete the application for a permit you’ll need:

  • your fishery’s registration number
  • to be the responsible person, business or organisation (legal entity) for the fishery
  • to know if the site has a conservation designation
  • details of the fish species you are looking to introduce or keep
  • the size and weight ranges of fish species that you want to introduce (for rivers, canals, or stillwaters with a conservation designation) and how often the species will be introduced
  • details about any non-native species that may be present

Permits are free and usually permanent. You can get advice from the Environment Agency before you apply.

Start now

After you apply

It usually takes up to 25 working days to get a decision on an application. It may take longer if the fishery is in a protected area and has a conservation designation, like a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)

If your application is approved, a site permit will be sent to the email address you provided. The permit only applies to the site, individual waters within the site, and fish species specified.

If the information you’ve given is incomplete or not accurate we’ll contact you to discuss your application, using the contact details you’ve provided.

Renew a live fish movement site permit or change your permit details

If your permit has already expired, you will need to complete a new application for permission to introduce or keep fish in inland waters.

Contact the fish movements team if you need to:

  • renew a permit that has not yet expired
  • change the details on your permit, for example add or remove fish species, change the permit holder’s details or change the details of the water site or type

Get a permit to move or supply fish

If you supply fish or move fish between sites you will need to hold a live fish supplier permit.

This does not apply to movements between fish farms or garden ponds.

To apply for a live fish supplier permit contact the Environment Agency fish movements team.

Register your fishery

Before getting a live fish movement site permit you may need to register your fishery with the Fish Health Inspectorate.

Rivers and canals do not need to be registered.

Get a fish health check

You or your fish supplier may also have to get a fish health check if you want to stock fish in rivers, canals and lakes connected to open waters.

Get authorisation to use fishing instruments like nets and traps

You must get written permission to use fishing instruments like nets and traps to move fish.

Check how to apply to use fishing instruments other than rod and line in England.

Get help

Contact the fish movements team if you need:

  • help with an application
  • to ask a question
  • to ask for an alternative format

Fish movements team

Environment Agency

Email fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk

Telephone 0208 474 5243

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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