Black Bream

Black bream are one of the most prized sportfish along the south coast of England. Known for their spirited fight, fine eating quality, and seasonal inshore migrations, they’re a top target for shore anglers and charter boat crews alike – particularly in spring and early summer.

Their unique biology and nesting behaviour make them a fascinating species. Responsible angling and better fisheries management are essential to keeping bream fishing productive and sustainable for the future.

At the Angling Trust, we’re working to protect your access to the south coast’s iconic black bream fishery while ensuring it remains sustainable for the future. We’re promoting best-practice fishing to safeguard spawning bream, standing up for anglers in marine conservation decisions, and teaming up with scientists to better understand the species. Whether you fish from the shore or a charter boat, our goal is to keep black bream thriving – and keep you fishing.

Angling for Sustainability

Science for Sustainable Fisheries

Angling for Sustainability was a Fisheries Industry Science Partnership project led by the University of Plymouth and funded by Defra. It brought anglers and scientists together to gather real-world data and build better, evidence-based management for key species like black bream – ensuring a sustainable future for recreational sea fishing.

Marine Conservation Zones

Breeding Bream

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are designed to protect vital marine habitats and species – and in Sussex and Dorset, that includes black bream during their spawning season. We're working to ensure that conservation goes hand in hand with fair access for recreational anglers, supporting responsible fishing – not unnecessary restrictions.

Fisheries Management Plan

For Bream Tomorrow

Black bream alongside gilthead bream are the focus of the UK Government's Seabream Fisheries Management Plan in English waters. The plan is being co-developed with fisheries stakeholders, including the Angling Trust. It is due for public consultation in winter 2025.

Black Bream Edition

Did You Know?

Hermaphrodites: Did you know that black bream are hermaphrodites? Most start life as females and later transition into males. Larger males are important for the breeding success of bream.
Nesting Spawners: Black bream males get busy building and guarding nests on the seabed during the spring and summer
Loyal to their Grounds: Black bream ream are creatures of habit, returning to the same inshore sites to spawn each year, often crossing the English Channel to do so.

Latest Bream News...

Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Black Bream Angling in Dorset’s MCZs

Angling Trust supports proposals to ban trawling and dredging in Beachy Head East MCZ

Angling for Sustainability: Tagging Black Bream, Sharks & Rays in the Solent & Dorset

Black Bream Workshop on Monday 22nd April in Poole – Sign Up Today

Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Black Bream Angling in Dorset’s MCZs

Angling Trust supports proposals to ban trawling and dredging in Beachy Head East MCZ

Angling for Sustainability: Tagging Black Bream, Sharks & Rays in the Solent & Dorset

Black Bream Workshop on Monday 22nd April in Poole – Sign Up Today

Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Black Bream Angling in Dorset’s MCZs

Angling Trust supports proposals to ban trawling and dredging in Beachy Head East MCZ

Angling for Sustainability: Tagging Black Bream, Sharks & Rays in the Solent & Dorset

Black Bream Workshop on Monday 22nd April in Poole – Sign Up Today

Join the Angling Trust

Protect. Promote. Develop.

Join Us Today

Black bream are more than just a great catch – they’re a symbol of what sustainable recreational sea angling can look like when anglers lead the way.

By supporting science, working with regulators, and advocating for sustainable fisheries the Angling Trust is making sure bream fishing thrives for future generations.

Support our work. Share your knowledge. Be part of the solution.
Join the Angling Trust today.