Marine Management Organisation
January 2026
MMO secures a second successful MPA byelaw prosecution
Marine licencing supporting coastal restoration, defence infrastructure and…
Additional rules when fishing in EU waters from 10 January 2026
Fish, Trace, Ship – New IUU regulations come into effect with MMO supportin…
December 2025
Fish, Trace, Ship - Three weeks to go, UK seafood industry must be ready by…
Harmonisation of brown crab sizes across the South West update
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery 2026: Trainers…
New seafood export requirements will apply from 8 January 2026
Morgan Offshore Wind Secures Development Consent for Major Irish Sea Wind F…
Fishing industry 2024 statistics published
November 2025
Major changes coming for the £1bn Scottish seafood exporting industry
Counting down to EU IUU changes – don’t be caught out!
King scallop closure 2026 & 2027
Fish, trace, ship – don’t be caught out
October 2025
Fish, Trace, Ship for catching sector
Fish, Trace, Ship – processing process changes for exports
Marine Licences Drive Coastal Development, Environmental Restoration and In…
UK Sea Fisheries Statistics: Quality assessment into full year of Catch Rec…
September 2025
Get on board together – Fish, Trace, Ship webinar
Opportunity to become an IFCA Member
MMO shines Fish, Trace, Ship campaign spotlight on actions to keep UK expor…
New and improved marine licensing service fit for the future
Seasonal closure for crawfish announced
Fish, Trace, Ship – help shape the Fish Export Service
Final few weeks to shape proposed fisheries management measures in 42 of En…
Fish, Trace, Ship – Act now! and get on board for seafood export changes
July 2025
New Chair of the Marine Management Organisation appointed
MMO holds events to support compliance of recreational bluefin tuna fishery…
Consultation on new measures to protect sensitive habitats and species in 3…
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme 2025 closed following strong demand
Innovative projects given go ahead by MMO
Fishing vessel master and owner fined for fisheries offences
June 2025
Sandbox solutions will transform marine licensing
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme reopens with around £6 million of investment
May 2025
Opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation
Wildlife and marine conservationists warn of potential wildlife disturbance…
MMO grants coastal protection marine licences
I-VMS licence condition in effect
Bluefin tuna catch and release applications re-opened
First ever MPA byelaw prosecution secures guilty plea and £40,000 financial…
April 2025
Marine aggregate extraction, saltmarsh footbridge and research project all …
March 2025
Temporary closure queen scallops
MMO confirms I-VMS legislation schedule for 2025
Changes to Contact Centre hours
Bluefin tuna fishery applications set to open
Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) Statistics publi…
King scallop temporary closure decision
February 2025
Landing obligation exemption changes in English waters
January 2025
East Marine Plan Issues with Supporting Evidence period has ended
December 2024
Celebrating £30 million in support provided to the UK fishing and seafood i…
Sea Fisheries Regulations updated
Fishing industry in 2023 statistics published
Marine licences granted for cables, flood defences and saltmarsh restoratio…
UK Sea Fisheries Statistics Update
November 2024
Three-year conditional discharge for work completed without a marine licenc…
King scallop closure consultation 7d and Lyme Bay in 7e 2025
Marine Management Organisation Interim Chair appointed
October 2024
Fisheries Management Plan measures move forward
UK Sea Fisheries Statistics: Unscheduled Corrections
September 2024
Online survey for stakeholders of demersal fisheries in Celtic Sea and West…
Wrasse and seabream views vital
August 2024
A chance to manage and conserve inshore fisheries
English recreational Bluefin Tuna Fishery opens on 3 August
July 2024
MMO grants marine licence for new underwater intake pipeline
June 2024
Extended Fisheries and Seafood Scheme closes for 2024
May 2024
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme re-opens following high demand
New appointments to the Marine Management Organisation board
MMO prioritises six vitally important inshore marine protected areas for as…
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme closes for 2024
April 2024
I-VMS legislation due to come into force this year
March 2024
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishing plan 2024
New river wall to provide flood defence
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme: Panel Date Announced
Bottom towed fishing gear prohibited over reef habitats in 13 marine protec…
Stakeholder workshops in East Marine Plan area
New Exmouth sea outfall pipe to improve environmental standards
ICES divisions 6a and 7a queen scallop fishery closure
February 2024
New ferry passenger boarding facility in Plymouth
Vital marine ecosystems in an additional 4,000 square km of our seas to rec…
January 2024
“Get prepared… install your I-VMS device now!” urges MMO
December 2023
Announcement of crawfish fishery closures in 2024
18 December deadline for I-VMS roll-out to under-12m
UK fishing vessel licensing in external waters 2024
King scallop closure consultation 7d and Lyme Bay in 7e
Call for evidence on impacts of fishing on harbour porpoise and marine bird…
November 2023
Local marine partnership receives funding to deliver innovative conservatio…
New measures announced to protect crawfish stocks in the southwest
October 2023
Exploring and celebrating Studland Bay’s environment
Local partnership and MMO join forces to preserve Studland Bay’s precious s…
MMO commences I-VMS roll-out phase for under six metre vessels
I-VMS roll-out enters final phase
Tyne Bridge restoration must avoid shining lights at the river
September 2023
Act now - Just nine weeks left to claim I-VMS grant
Changes to burials at sea requirements for The Needles site
Fishing industry in 2022 statistics published
Opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation
Lyme Bay sole fishery consultation
August 2023
Popular ‘Fisheries and Seafood Scheme’ now fully allocated for 2023
I-VMS roll-out schedule released
Fantastic opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation
Apply for additional quota now!
Next steps for managing England’s newly designated Highly Protected Marine …
June 2023
MMO will continue to support fishers in the roll-out of I-VMS
Saithe misreporting prosecution
Court action for illegal scallop fishing
May 2023
MMO announces the results of I-VMS device testing
March 2023
Have your say on Lyme Bay sole management
MMO prosecution lands owner and master with £14,380 penalty
ICES area 6a and 7a queen scallop fishery closure - 2023 closure
Countdown is on for scallop closure views
Less than a month remains for people to have their say on latest proposals …
February 2023
Channel non-quota species FMP engagement update
Vessel master fined for failing to declare catches
January 2023
Exciting opportunity to participate in the management of inshore fisheries …
Panel of independent experts publish findings into crab deaths
Call for evidence for scallop fishery closures in Lyme Bay and area 7d in s…
Channel non-quota species FMP engagement sessions announced
December 2022
Studland Bay Voluntary No Anchor Zone - 2022 Review
November 2022
Reappointments made to the Marine Management Organisation Board
October 2022
Non quota species working group minutes published
Marine licence issued for Virgin Orbit satellite launch project.
Catch recording service: Routine website maintenance 13 October
September 2022
Fishing industry in 2021 statistics published
MMO engages recreational fishers on Fisheries Management Plan.
Channel demersal NQS FMP working group launches
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation at Southe…
MMO response to actions by Greenpeace in South West Deeps
Excellent opportunity to get work experience with the Marine Management Org…
August 2022
£9m fisheries funding boost for English seafood businesses
MMO response to Greenpeace action in South West Deeps (East)
July 2022
Marine Management Organisation opens consultation on Virgin Orbit satellite…
June 2022
I-VMS reaches milestone with more than a quarter of under-12m fleet install…
Government continues its plans for nature recovery in our seas
Voluntary No Anchor Zone Expansion in Studland Bay
May 2022
Demersal non quota species Fisheries Management Plan
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme: Panel Dates Announced
Call for Evidence launched to progress conservation efforts in 13 more Mari…
April 2022
Government uses Brexit freedoms to protect our seas
Master and vessel owner fined for fisheries offences
Council fined for undertaking work without a marine licence
March 2022
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme Relaunch
Industry update on suspension of MS44 IVMS device
February 2022
January 2022
MMO gives consent to ABP’s £25 million development of Lowestoft Eastern Ene…
Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems in 2022
December 2021
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation (IFCA)
Protecting precious marine habitats together
November 2021
October 2021
Pitcairn Islands’ tiny Pacific community publishes ambitious five-year mana…
Additional quota for capped licence vessels remains open
September 2021
Fishing industry in 2020 statistics published
MMO introduces the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone Habitat Protection…
Changes to fees for Harbour Orders (HOs)
August 2021
I-VMS for England’s under-12m fishing vessels takes a step forward
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme funding rounds open for applications
King Scallop Fishery closure to protect stocks
July 2021
Exciting opportunities to manage inshore fisheries and conservation
Have your say on Celtic nephrops proposals
Raising awareness of marine wildlife disturbance in Dorset
June 2021
Adoption of Marine Plans marks big step forward for England’s seas
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme Update
New Fisheries Technical Measures
Single Area Licence Conditions
New Guidance on Seabass Measures
May 2021
Charges for various fisheries offences in latest MMO prosecutions
April 2021
MMO announce first panel dates for Fisheries and Seafood Scheme in England.
£6.1 million Fisheries and Seafood Scheme opens for applications
March 2021
Increased presence at sea deters illegal fishing
Seafood Response Fund closes on Friday 26 March
Consultation on Marine Protected Areas
MMO Statement: 24 February 2021
February 2021
Next steps announced for management of marine non-licensable activities in …
Marine Management Organisation launches consultation on four of England’s M…
January 2021
MMO issue over 2200 fishing vessel licences following UK and EU Trade and C…
December 2020
Guidance to support commercial fishermen, merchants and exporters following…
Changes to demersal trawl selectivity measures in the Celtic Sea
Fish exporters prepare now for 1 January
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the No…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the No…
Exciting opportunity in managing inshore fisheries and conservation in the …
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Ke…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Is…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Co…
Exciting opportunity in inshore fisheries and conservation management in th…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Su…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Ea…
November 2020
Are you ready for 1 January 2021? Join us to find out how to prepare
Fish Export Service trial period
A guide to current financial and welfare support for the fishing industry
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) fast-tracks grants to help England…
October 2020
Marine Management Organisation seeks evidence and views on new protections …
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the Su…
Additional mackerel quota in area 7d
September 2020
Fishing industry in 2019 statistics published
Helping the fishing industry transition to independence
August 2020
Dogger Bank scallop closure extended
July 2020
Suspension of scallop fishing in parts of the North Sea
MMO restarting coastal operations to further support the fishing industry t…
Fisheries Response Fund (FRF) appeals process
June 2020
Over two-thirds of under-10-metre fishing vessel owners register for the MM…
Applications sought for the English fully documented fishery (FDF) scheme/s…
Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme supports fishing industry
Blue Belt Programme Annual Update now published
Update on Fisheries Response Fund: Further payment for eligible businesses
Further assistance to help the marine development sector from MMO
May 2020
Further £1 million invested into England’s fishing industry
April 2020
From the sea to the door: New grant scheme to support seafood businesses in…
Update on Fisheries Response Fund, Monday 20 April 2020.
Coronavirus - Temporary changes to how we process fishing vessel licence ap…
March 2020
Have your say on Marine Planning in England
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) announce Maritime & Fisheries Fund (MF…
February 2020
Registrations and records submitted though the MMO’s electronic catch recor…
Catch recording implementation continues following further industry engagem…
Fishing vessel owner and skipper ordered to pay £7,343 for fisheries offenc…
January 2020
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the No…
Fishing regulations as the UK leaves the EU
Fishing vessel owner and skipper ordered to pay £21,240 for fisheries offen…
Proposed bass measures for 2020
December 2019
MMO announce panel dates for MFF scheme in England
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the No…
November 2019
Fishing vessel owner and skipper ordered to pay £55,842.47 for fisheries of…
October 2019
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to administer new £15.4 million fundin…
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation in the De…
Fishermen urged to remove gear from non-UK waters ahead of Brexit
UKFAs prepare licensing for commercial fishing in non-UK waters after Brexi…
September 2019
Fishing industry in 2018 statistics published
Fishing vessel owner and skippers ordered to pay £88,777.60 for fisheries o…
August 2019
Fishermen in over 12m fleet urged to register now to be ready for EU exit
Stakeholder report on non-lethal seal deterrents
July 2019
Marine Management Organisation appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Latent capacity fishing licence monitoring update
Effort swap proposal consultation open
Consultation on a revision to Harbour Order application fees
June 2019
Changing the approach to IVMS implementation
Catch recording for under 10m fishing vessels starts this summer
Fishing vessel owner and skipper ordered to pay £76,772.50 for fisheries of…
May 2019
Applications open for an English fully documented fishery (FDF) scheme
April 2019
Fishing vessel owner ordered to pay £6,600 for fisheries offences
February 2019
Fishermen urged to be Brexit ready by registering with the IMO
Undulate Ray by-catch allowance in the English Channel
January 2019
Update on fishing for sea bass in 2019
Proposed bass measures for 2019
Master and vessel owner ordered to pay £15,624 for fisheries offences
November 2018
Fishing company and skipper ordered to pay £37,926 for fisheries offences
Trawler owner and master ordered to pay £35,240 for fisheries offences
Fishing without a licence costs owner, master and fishing company over £75,…
New guidance for fishermen ahead of full discard ban
October 2018
Master and vessel owner ordered to pay £28,610 for fisheries offences
September 2018
Changes to recreational bass restrictions from 1 October
Fishing industry in 2017 statistics published
Exciting opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation
August 2018
Changes anticipated for marine licensing fees and charges
Master and vessel owner ordered to pay £8,159 for fisheries offences
Undulate ray by-catch allowance in the eastern English Channel
Master and vessel owner ordered to pay £22,459 for fisheries offences
Master and owner charged for illegal salvage of sunken vessel
Forthcoming changes to fisheries rules highlighted
Go on a coastal adventure with The Snail and the Whale
July 2018
Dover dredging application decision
Public reminded of the rules around seahorses
Milestone for managing seas in South of England reached
Update on seasonal closure for North West queen scallop fishery
June 2018
Update on planned fishing effort reduction for North Sea nephrops
New Marine Management Organisation Board members announced
Reduced fishing effort for area VII scallop fishery explained
Reduced limit for North Sea nephrops fishing explained
May 2018
Recreational anglers charged for breaching bass regulations
April 2018
Blue Belt publication for schools launched
English fishing vessels sought for trials which may help to reduce discards
March 2018
Transfer of marine regulation powers and changes to harbour regulations in …
Changes to processes for sediment sampling and analysis
Update on marine licence: disposal of dredged material at Sprey Point
February 2018
Devon dredging and disposal licence suspended
Update on investigation into Whitstable oyster farm activity
January 2018
Guidance on 2018 bass fishing published
Have your say on marine planning in England
Collaborating to support marine licence applications from the subsea cable …
Update on latent capacity fishing licence monitoring
December 2017
MMO board member Tony Delahunty awarded OBE
Blue Belt representatives to visit Tristan da Cunha and St Helena
Consultation on fees for marine licences
Fish merchant fined for fisheries offences
New Blue Belt stakeholder newsletter published
MMO announce 2018 panel dates for the EMFF scheme in England
Landmark for English Channel electricity link project
New guidance for fishermen ahead of next phase of the discard ban
November 2017
Master and vessel owner fined £29,000 for fisheries offences
October 2017
Funding available in England towards replacing fishing vessel engines
Master and vessel owner fined for fisheries offences
Fish merchant fined for fisheries offences
MMO welcomes National Grid for industry interchange
September 2017
Fishing industry in 2016 statistics published
£28,220 penalty for release of non-native species
£8,989.70 fine imposed for fisheries offences
August 2017
MMO and BSAC to review rules for lost, abandoned and discarded fishing gear…
Rules around removal of lost fishing gear clarified
How to watch dolphins and other marine wildlife responsibly
July 2017
Merchant ordered to pay £4,700 for buying fish while unregistered
Master of vessel pleads guilty to fishing over quota limits
Independent report on Kent Oyster Farm published
First self-service licences issued
Fine of £26,677 imposed for fisheries offences
Self-service approach reduces fees for some low-risk licences
June 2017
Judicial Review supports Brighton Marina licence decision
Fine of £5,753 imposed for fisheries offences
New Chief Scientific Advisor appointed by the MMO
Over ten metre vessel licence categories
SMS alerts system for licence variations currently unavailable
Fines of over £168,000 imposed for fisheries offences
May 2017
Fine of £24,414 for fisheries offences
£7,195 fine for fisheries offences in case brought by MMO
March 2017
MMO welcomes first NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellows
Verbal attack on MMO officers results in Public Order prosecution
MMO support second round of EMFF England FLAG launch events
Fisherman and owner fined £38,201 for fisheries offences
Licence variation for South West disposal
South West characterisation disposal project: New site announced
February 2017
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) issue authorisations to catch bass
MMO calls for feedback on marine planning
Changes to licensing public register bring greater transparency
January 2017
Bass industry guidance for 2017
The first English EMFF FLAG launch events get underway
Marine plan development workshops announced
December 2016
MMO announce 2017 panel dates for the EMFF scheme in England
Master and owner fined £21,746 for fisheries offences
November 2016
Fish seller fined £2,365 for fisheries offences
MMO seek public’s views on disposal options in South West
MMO move to monthly billing cycle in marine licensing
Draft South Marine Plan: Consultation now open
£4.8 million of funding offered to 6 Fisheries Local Action Groups under EM…
October 2016
Fisherman fined £1,255 for fisheries offences in case brought by MMO
September 2016
Fishing industry in 2015 statistics published
Noise and windfarm construction off the Sussex coast
Father and son fined £10,213 for fisheries offences in case brought by MMO
August 2016
Agreement on way forward for River Thames regulation
Register for marine noise introduced
New evidence strategy published
July 2016
Marine licence decision for The Garden Bridge published
June 2016
Call for issues with supporting evidence for next phase of marine planning …
May 2016
Man found guilty of marine licensing offences relating to salvage of shipwr…
Plans to open remainder of €46 million EMFF in England confirmed
Views sought on annual fisheries statistics publication
Marine planning issues and evidence workshops announced
Successful EMFF FLAGs in England proceed to next stage of selection
Boat operators reminded of rules on protected marine mammals
Upgrades to the Marine Case Management System
April 2016
Grid-connected tidal energy centre approved
Consultations for next phase of marine planning opens
Next phase of marine planning begins
March 2016
MMO announce next key panel dates for the EMFF scheme in England
Update on MMO’s strategic review of disposal sites
February 2016
Fine of £17,469.50 for fisheries offences in case brought by MMO
Attend a meeting of the highest decision-making body at the MMO
MMO announces the next phase of the EMFF scheme in England
MMO hosts UK EMFF launch event attended by Marine and Fisheries Minister
Should all Marine Management Organisation (MMO) data be publicly available?
January 2016
Clarification on fishing restrictions for Bass in 2016
New commercial and recreational fishing restrictions for Bass in 2016
Norfolk fishermen cleared of wildlife offences
UK and English quota management rules consultation 2016
MMO opens €243 million European Maritime Fisheries Fund in England
MMO and NERC collaborate to fund translational research for marine science
December 2015
Marine Case Management System (MCMS) upgrade work planned
November 2015
MMO and FCO host joint IUU workshop with the UK insurance industry
October 2015
Fishing activity in the Baie de Seine
Company secretary fined £4,046 for fisheries offences
September 2015
Fishing industry in 2014 statistics published
Master and Owner fined £47,410.50 for fisheries offences
August 2015
Dredging company fined £40,000 for unlicensed deposits
Changes to support in European funding
Bluefin tuna spotted off South West coast
Opportunity to influence management of England’s inshore fisheries
Increase in bass minimum conservation reference size
July 2015
MMO Publishes evidence strategy for 2015 to 2018
MMO launches new Marine Information System (MIS)
European grants applicant and supplier ordered to pay £17,925
Master and Owner fined £10,109.62 for exceeding monthly quota limits
June 2015
Non-native crabs and lobsters along Sussex Coast
Channel scallop deal secured through negotiation with industry
May 2015
Changes to fishing vessel licensing arrangements
Three vessel owners fined £13,150 for breach of regulations
April 2015
Irish fishing vessel Skipper DA59 fined £7,324
March 2015
Master and Owner fined £16,647.00 for breaching scallop legislation
Slipper limpets not permitted to be used as bait or disposed at sea
Update on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
Master and owner ordered to pay over £102,000 for illegal mackerel catch
Defra consultations relevant to the work of the MMO
New advice from Cefas on Rame Head
Management roles and responsibilities
February 2015
New opportunity for fishermen to influence catch limits
Consultation for Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre closes tomorrow
Future of dredging at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport
Restrictions on fishing for certain sharks, skates and rays
Customer and stakeholder satisfaction survey
Grants towards replacement VMS terminals for over 15m vessels
January 2015
Appearance at EFRA committee hearing
Influence management of inshore fisheries in England
UK and English quota management rules consultation
December 2014
Failure to submit sales notes costs fish merchant over £6,000
Sourcing quota for the under 10 metre and non-sector fleet
Development of UK to Norway electricity cable takes step forward
November 2014
Consultation opens on how MMO will consider sustainable development in mari…
Chief Executive appointed to Marine Management Organisation
Influence management of inshore fisheries in Northumberland
Exploring options for fisheries management – new industry panel to be creat…
Views on use of remaining English Channel cod quota sought
October 2014
Western Waters crab effort management notification
Vessel owner and master guilty of illegal fishing in Lyme Bay
September 2014
Annual UK fishing industry report published today
Industry negotiations result in Channel scallop deal
North Shields fish quay restoration nominated for award
Court orders almost £40,000 to be repaid to MMO after fraudulent claims
New regulations controlling trade in some shark and ray species
August 2014
Be part of managing England's inshore fisheries in North West England
North Sea trials show less than 1 percent of cod discarded
Extension of the European Fisheries Fund scheme
Use of net attachments cost master and owner £25,000
July 2014
MMO transitions its website to www.gov.uk/mmo
Master and owner fined for fisheries offences
June 2014
Skipper fined for fisheries offences
In-depth look at South coast and seas published
May 2014
Marine Management Organisation Board meeting
Inaccurate e-log costs skippers and vessel owners £16,000
Influence management of England's inshore fisheries
April 2014
Marine milestone for England's seas
March 2014
Influence management of England’s inshore fisheries
Catch limits increased after meetings with fishermen
Sampling and analysis changes for marine licence applications