Whelk permit fee, conditions, annual and monthly catch limits 2025 to 2026: summary of responses

The Welsh Government sought views on proposals to change aspects of the Wales whelk fishery through a two-week consultation. 

The proposed changes are for the 2025-2026 whelk permit period commencing on 1 March 2025 and include: 

• the permit fee to increase with inflationary costs to £309

• the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) to decrease by 5% from 4,768 tonnes to 4,529 tonnes

• no change to the initial Monthly Catch Limit (MCL) of 50 tonnes

• whelk permit conditions to remain the same

The consultation ran from the 22 November to 6 December 2024. 

The consultation was publicised on GOV.WALES and a letter sent to all registered Welsh fishers as well as other fishers known to fish for whelk in the Welsh zone and whelk buyers/processors. 

Respondents were able to respond by email or by providing a written response. 

The Welsh Government would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit their views and respond to the consultation. All responses will be considered before the permit conditions are introduced.

During the consultation period, responses were received from two individuals who have an interest in the Welsh whelk fishery.

The consultation sought views on the proposed increase of the permit fee to £309, the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) to decrease by 5% from 4,768 tonnes to 4,529 tonnes; no change to the initial Monthly Catch Limit (MCL) of 50 tonnes; and whelk permit conditions to remain the same. These conditions will apply to permits that will be required by anyone wishing to fish for whelk commercially using pots in the Welsh zone for the permit period 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Two comments were received during the consultation period. One comment queried a reduction to the Annual Catch Limit. Another requested to see the whelk stock survey

Welsh Government policy officials have considered all responses and comments which were received. Officials will now prepare a brief for the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs on the results.

Officials expect to open the permitted whelk fishery on the 1 March 2025. 

It is anticipated that a permit application window will open in December and officials will provide information to all fishers at that time.

Any additional permit conditions required to comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 will be confirmed before the first permit period starts on 1 March 2025. 

ISBN 978-1-80391-458-9