Eel and elver: apply for permission to catch by net or trap

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

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.