Sustainability and responsible fishing
Shellfish fishing has shaped life on the East Yorkshire coast for centuries. Protecting these waters is not just good practice, it’s essential for the long-term health of the fishery, the future of the community, and the generations of families who have worked these waters.
A tradition of respect for the sea
For many in the Bridlington fleet, fishing is more than a job, it’s a family legacy. Knowledge is passed down from parent to child, ensuring that traditional skills and respect for the sea continue to guide every catch. Their knowledge of tides, seabeds and seasons guides how shellfish is caught, ensuring stocks remain healthy and productive.
Low‑impact fishing methods
Bridlington Bay shellfish is pot‑caught, using traditional, low‑impact methods. Pots sit on the seabed without damaging habitats, and they naturally limit unwanted by-catch.
Clear measures to protect stocks
Local fishing follows responsible practices designed to protect the future of native lobster and crab:
- Minimum landing sizes
- Egg‑bearing females never landed
- Escape gaps to release undersized shellfish
- Seasonal patterns based on conditions and behaviour
- Careful monitoring of catches and grounds
Sustainable today. Sustainable tomorrow.
Through these practices, Bridlington Bay has grown into Europe’s leading lobster port while maintaining the long-term health of its fisheries. Choosing Bridlington Bay shellfish means supporting a community committed to working with the sea, not against it.
