This series covers birds, cetaceans, seals, marine turtles, fish including seahorses, sharks and skates, invertebrates and prohibited hunting methods

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species

Many marine species are protected by EU and UK wildlife legislation from intentional or deliberate disturbance, taking, harm and killing, and in some cases possession or sale.

The offences that apply will depend on the species, activity and location. The tables provide a summary of what marine species are protected and by what legislation. Please refer to the legislation directly for details of offences and defences, or contact your local Marine Management Organisation office for further advice.  Some of the species are also protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and are labelled in the guidance.