Protected fish species - Licensing

Some species of fish are protected by law in Scotland because they are rare or are vulnerable to certain activities. The sturgeon is only a rare visitor to Scotland, but it is protected as a European protected species. 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 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.

Licences for surveys, conservation, research or education

If you wish to carry out work on any protected fish species for survey, conservation, science, research or educational purposes, and if that work might otherwise result in an offence being committed, you may need a licence.  Licences for this purpose are issued by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Download an application form 

Guidance note for field surveys and monitoring 

Accompanying notes for survey and monitoring licences 

Licensing for other purposes

Contact the Scottish Natural Heritage species licensing team for licences for any other purpose in relation to protected fish species.