Under the port’s byelaws, fishing is described as ‘by net, line, speargun or otherwise’. It includes both trawling and the placing or laying of pots for prawn, crab and lobster.
Some types of fishing require a Portland Harbour fishing permit. Using a rod and line does not require a permit although your vessel will need to pay Harbour Dues.
Rules applying to all fishers
The minimum conservation reference sizes listed in the schedules of the Marine And Coastal Access Act 2009 (C23) Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) Byelaw apply to all fishers, both recreational and commercial.
The MCRS byelaw and FAQ documents are available to download from the sidebar.
Rod and line fishing:
Recreational (catch will be kept)
Please note: A fishing permit is NOT required for rod and line fishing.
A fishing restriction chart is available to download from the sidebar.
Where can I fish?
- In the unmarked and green areas inside and outside of the breakwaters, as shown on the fishing restriction chart.
Where can’t I fish?
- Within the MOD Noise and Magnetic Degaussing Ranges at all times due to the sensitive equipment laid on the seabed
- Areas surrounding the ranges, when the ranges are in use (see Map) and Admiralty Chart 2268: the dates for when the ranges are in use are published on the notices in force page (link in sidebar).
- Within controlled area surrounding the commercial port, its piers and vessels within.
Potting & netting: Commercial (catch will be sold on)
A fishing permit is required for certain locations.
Refer to the fishing restrictions chart to see the areas where fishing permits are required.
A fishing restriction chart is available to download from the sidebar.
Where can I fish?
- The white areas on the ‘Fishing restrictions chart’.
- The green areas on the ‘Fishing restrictions chart’ require a Portland Harbour fishing permit.
- The hatched area (Hamm Beach) on the ‘Fishing restrictions chart’ requires a special permit.
Where can’t I fish?
- Within the RED areas at all times. These are special operation area or areas of high leisure and commercial traffic flow.
- Within MOD Noise and Magnetic Degaussing Ranges at all times. This is due to the sensitive equipment laid on the seabed.
- Areas surrounding the ranges, when the ranges are in use (see Map) and Admiralty Chart 2268: the dates for when the ranges are in use are published here.
- Within Controlled Area surrounding the Commercial Port, its piers and vessels within.
- Netting is prohibited at all times in Newtons Cove, inside of the 6-knot buoy line.
New regulation for Hamm Beach
A new Harbourmaster’s direction (No 1 of 2024) for persons using nets or pots in the Hamm beach area in Portland harbour came into force on 1 January 2024.
Under the regulations, a new group has been formed called the Hamm Beach Fishing Group (HBFG). To fish Hamm Beach, fishers will need to be a member of this group.
The Harbourmaster’s direction and other notices in force can be viewed and downloaded from the notices page using the link below. Or contact the harbour office using details below.