Introduce or keep non-native fish, lobsters and crayfish Grant

About this grant

This GOV.UK guidance explains the licences and permissions needed to introduce, keep, farm or import non-native fish, lobsters and crayfish in England and Wales. It exists to prevent the release of invasive or non-native species into the wild, which can harm native wildlife and ecosystems. It is a regulatory licensing guide rather than a grant or funding programme. The page sets out which body issues each licence. The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) licenses keeping non-native freshwater fish for purposes such as public display, scientific research, human consumption, conservation and authorised fish dealing, and also licenses farming (aquaculture) and live fish or shellfish imports. Natural England or Natural Resources Wales license the introduction and keeping of listed invasive crayfish species, while other crayfish species require an FHI licence. A lobster deposit licence is required for introducing American or Canadian lobsters, and European lobsters kept with them, within one mile of tidal waters under the Lobsters (Control of Importation) Order 1981. The guidance also notes exemptions, such as keeping common carp, goldfish, ide, orfe and rainbow trout without a licence, and permission from the Environment Agency (England) or Natural Resources Wales (Wales) to trap crayfish in the wild. All licences and permits are stated to be free of charge. Contact details for the FHI, Environment Agency, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales are provided.

Eligibility

Any person or organisation intending to introduce, keep, farm, sell or import the specified non-native fish, lobsters or crayfish in England and Wales may need to apply, subject to the species and purpose involved. The guidance applies to England and Wales only. No grant eligibility, stage or prior-recipient rules apply, as this is a licensing regime rather than a funding programme.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must hold or apply for an Environment Agency licence before introducing, keeping, or farming non-native fish, lobsters, or crayfish
• ✓Application is a regulatory permit process, not a competitive funding award, so no grant amount applies
• ✓Licence conditions are designed to manage invasive species and biosecurity risk to native biodiversity

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Introduce or keep non-native fish, lobsters and crayfish?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB; sme, nonprofit, charity, individual, community-group, university, research-institution, large-company. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.