Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

16/09/2026

Utopia Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)

Utopia MCZ is part of the UK’s network of Marine Protected Areas. The 2.7 km² inshore site is located around 10 km south of Selsey Bill and 20 km east of the Isle of Wight.

The rocky reef supports rich marine communities, including fragile sponges, sea fans, cup corals and anemones. The area also provides habitat suitable for tope pupping.

📄 Our new Utopia MCZ leaflet brings key information about the site and its management measures together in one place.

Legal requirements

Under the Sussex IFCA Marine Protected Area (MPA) Byelaw and associated Utopia MCZ management schedule, it is prohibited to:

🚫 Fish with towed gear within the designated area.

🚫 Fish with towed gear within 0.5 nautical miles of the designated site without an approved vessel monitoring system fitted.

🚫 Transit the area with towed gear that is not securely stowed.

Find out more and access the new leaflet:

https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/regulations
FisheriesManagement

15/09/2026

From fisheries enforcement and marine research to conservation and fisheries management, our work covers a wide range of activities across Sussex’s coastal waters.

Our officers and research team work year-round to gather evidence, monitor fishing activity, protect marine habitats and support sustainable fisheries.

This reel provides a snapshot of just some of the work we do to help ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable fishing industry.

11/09/2026

🌊 Drone Patrols
Sussex IFCA uses drones as part of our fisheries management, conservation and compliance work across Sussex.
Drones provide a fast and effective way to observe, record and gather evidence of fishing activity that may not otherwise be seen. They can also support routine checks, habitat assessments and the monitoring of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other areas of environmental concern.
Equipped with thermal imaging, zoom, wide-angle and GPS technology, our drone provides valuable information to support fisheries enforcement, research and marine management.

11/09/2026

Marine biologists and fisherman reflect on the increasing numbers of bluefin tuna in UK waters.

10/09/2026

Minimum Size Byelaw 📏
The Sussex IFCA Minimum Size Byelaw sets minimum conservation reference sizes for a range of finfish and shellfish species in commercial and recreational fisheries.

Minimum sizes help ensure fish and shellfish have the opportunity to reach maturity and reproduce before being retained, supporting healthy populations and sustainable fisheries.

📏 Minimum Size ruler stickers are available from bait and tackle shops across Sussex, providing a simple way to check whether your catch meets the required minimum size.

Swipe through the slides to see how to correctly measure different species and make sure you are measuring your catch in accordance with the relevant requirements.

Different species grow and mature at different rates, so minimum sizes vary between species. Knowing the requirements and measuring your catch correctly helps support sustainable fisheries across Sussex.

09/09/2026

Over the past few weeks, we’ve covered a range of information to help fishermen and .

UK waters are home to, or visited by, over 70 species of sharks, skates, and rays. The goal of the campaign, in partnership with Clean Catch, is to help fishermen identify, handle and record these species safely.

Keep an eye out for sharks and skates in the coming months, and stay savvy by recording your encounters. Fishermen are stewards of the sea and recording is essential to help paint a clearer picture of these species, leading to better management and healthier oceans for all.

Whether it’s helping to identify a ‘Porgie’ from a Mako, tips on how to best handle an electric ray, or guidance on recording, all the information can be found in our ID guides (link in bio).

guide:https://www.cleancatchuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Stay-Skate-Savvy-Clean-Catch-Guidance.pdf

guide:https://www.cleancatchuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Stay-Shark-Savvy-Clean-Catch-Guidance.pdf

You can also find more information about the Clean Catch self-recording app on their website.

Thanks for following along on our journey to be more shark and skate savvy

07/09/2026

Report Illegal Fishing in Sussex 🚨

Sussex IFCA has a dedicated Reporting Page to make it easier for you to share information about suspected illegal fishing.

We take a risk-based and intelligence-led approach to enforcement, and your reports play a vital role in building this intelligence to further investigate.

If you see something suspicious, do not approach those involved. You can report it by:
Completing the online Report Illegal Fishing Form. The more detail you can provide — such as date, time, location, vessel details, and activity observed — the more effective we can be.

🔒 All information is treated in strict confidence. Even if we can’t respond immediately, your reports help us stop irresponsible fishing and target our enforcement where it matters most.

📄 Submit a report here: https://www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk/report-illegal-fishing

04/09/2026

02/09/2026

🌊 Your Coast. Your Voice. Your IFCA. 🌊

Help shape the future of our seas and become an IFCA Member.

The Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) are looking for passionate individuals to become IFCA Members, helping to balance marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and the needs of coastal communities in England.

As an IFCA Member, you could help to:

🐟 Support sustainable fisheries and local communities
🌊 Protect your local marine environment
🙋 Influence local decisions
✨ Shape the future of your coastline

This is a voluntary role that could make a real influence. Applications are open on a rolling basis.

We’re looking for people with local knowledge, balanced judgement and a passion for sustainable fisheries and the marine environment. You don’t need to be an expert to apply.

➡️ Watch our new animations to find out what IFCA Members do and how you can get involved. Head to our website and go to 'Become a Member'. Link in bio 🔗


Marine Management Organisation
Sussex IFCA
Southern IFCA

Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities

01/09/2026

Mackerel have been turning up along the Sussex coast, and we know this is a popular time of year for anglers to get out and enjoy some fishing.

Before you head out, here are a few important reminders:

📏 Know your minimum sizes
• Atlantic mackerel: 20 cm
• Horse mackerel: 15 cm

Please measure your catch and return any undersized fish to the sea as carefully as possible.

🎣 Fish responsibly
There is currently no bag limit for mackerel, but this doesn’t mean anglers should take unlimited numbers. Please only keep what you need for personal consumption and avoid taking excessive amounts.

👮 Our team are out on patrol
Our Enforcement Team have been carrying out evening patrols on piers along the Sussex coast, monitoring fishing activity and speaking with anglers to help ensure everyone is aware of the rules.

By measuring your catch, returning undersized fish and only taking what you need, you can help us protect our fisheries and ensure there are plenty of fish for everyone to enjoy in the future.