Protected species - Fish

What are they?

Some species of fish are protected by law in Scotland because they are rare or are vulnerable to certain activities.

Basking sharks are found in Scottish seas, particularly off the west coast in the summer.  The basking shark is the second largest species of fish in the sea - it's longer and heavier than a London bus!  The species is classified as being vulnerable so there are laws to prevent people from harassing them.

It's not only the big fish that get protection; iconic species such as the Atlantic salmon are protected as well as stranger species like the river lamprey and less well-known ones like the vendace, powan, and the allis and twaite shad. 

Find out more about our species of fish...

How are they protected?

Basking sharks are listed on Schedule 5   of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and are protected against intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment.

The sturgeon is only a rare visitor to Scotland, but it is protected as a European protected species under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).

The river lamprey, Atlantic salmon, allis and twaite shad, vendace and powan are listed on Schedule 3   of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) which make it an offence to use certain methods to catch or take them in freshwater. 

Allis and twaite shad, vendace and powan are also listed on Schedule 5  of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).  Vendace and powan are given full protection under this schedule, which means that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take them as well as to possess or sell them.  Allis and twaite shad are only protected against killing, injuring or taking.

Licensing and fish

Licences are available to allow specified people to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offence.  As with any protected species, licences can only be issued for specific purposes that are set out in the legislation.  If you are planning any activities that could affect fish, you should make sure that you stay within the law.

If you are proposing to undertake an action that might otherwise constitute an offence, you may need a licence and should refer to our licensing and fish pages.