Are you fishing within Newhaven Harbour?

Did you know it is illegal to fish in Newhaven Harbour, and you can be prosecuted?

Fishing and angling within Newhaven Harbour is illegal under longstanding Harbour Byelaws. Anywhere within the harbour, from Denton Island through to the East Pier and across to the Harbour Arm is covered by the law.

There are good reasons for this, and the rules exist to ensure the safety of harbour users. Boats always have priority within the harbour and fishing lines in the channel can obstruct vessels and create hazards. This is a risk to harbour users and incidents in the past have caused injury. We have also had recent reports of hooks and lines being left which causes injuries to dogs and other animals.

We have, in the past, tolerated some fishing when it has not interfered with other harbour activities and users, but just recently this has been abused, boats have been targeted and abusive behaviour has been reported by members of the public.

Do I need a licence to fish in the sea?

You do not need a licence to fish in the sea, but the Harbour is different. The Harbour is private property, and if you are fishing from any private structure (like a pier) or a harbour, you not only need the permission of the landowner, but you must take local byelaws into consideration.

If you are fishing further up the river, you will need a rod licence and a permit if you are over 13 years of age. Fishing from the beach at Tidemills or the other side of the harbour arm, is permitted.

Please note there are restrictions on how many rods one person can use, and in some cases, what you can catch. There is also a close season (generally between March and June) when it is illegal to catch fish when they are breeding. It is important to protect our marine and river environments, and we ask everyone to be mindful of what is being taken as waters around our coastlines are breeding grounds for so many species.

What happens if you break the law and fish off the pier, the harbour arm, or in the harbour?

• You risk a fine, prosecution, and a criminal record.
• Persistent offenders will face a total ban on fishing in the harbour.
• The area is monitored by CCTV, and Sussex Police will act against dangerous behaviour.

Respect Newhaven Harbour and your community. Behave responsibly or face prosecution. If this dangerous behaviour continues, the Harbour Authority will have no choice but to strictly enforce the Byelaws. We don’t want to do that but if this abusive behaviour continues, we will have no choice and all angling in the harbour will be banned.

How to make a report regarding illegal fishing and anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social / threatening behaviour should be reported to Sussex Police. 

Illegal fishing activity should be reported to IFCA:

Please ALSO use our contact form to report illegal fishing and anti-social behaviour.

Please leave your contact details, together with the location of incident, date and description. This will hopefully help us identify and deter people who persistently ignore harbour regulations and spoil the harbour environment for others.

Harbour Master, Newhaven Port Authority.

28 October 2025.