No. Spearguns are legal in the UK only under strict licensing, primarily for commercial fishing or scientific research, with recreational use prohibited under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The 2026 Fisheries Act amendments further tighten controls, requiring spearguns to be registered with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) if used in designated fisheries.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in United Kingdom
- Licensing Mandate: Spearguns may only be used under a valid Marine Management Organisation (MMO) licence, restricted to licensed fishers or authorised scientific personnel. Unlicensed possession constitutes an offence under the Fisheries Act 2020.
- Geographical Restrictions: Deployment is banned in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), as per the 2021 Marine Protected Areas Order. Violations incur fines up to £50,000 under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
- Equipment Specifications: Only spearguns with a maximum power output of 2.5 joules are permitted for recreational use, aligning with the 2023 UK Technical Conservation Measures. Non-compliant devices are subject to confiscation under the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967.