The purpose of the fishing vessel licensing system is to control UK fishing opportunities so that the European Union (EU) regulations for sustainable fisheries management can be met. This is particularly important because many fish stocks are under pressure from over fishing.

A Ministerial Working Group has been set up to deliver proposals for licensing reforms.

• Statement by all UK Fisheries Ministers on Quota Management and Licensing (PDF)

A fishing vessel licence is the authority for a registered fishing vessel to fish for sea fish, and you must adhere to the conditions of the licence. To keep the fleet the same size, additional licences are not granted. Licences must therefore be transferred and aggregated according to detailed rules. Fishermen with licensing queries should contact their local District Marine Officer at one of the Marine Management Organisation’s offices.

Latest news

19 March 2012: From 6 April 2012, legislation will come into force which enables the electronic notification of variations to the licences of English fishing vessels. Notices of licence variation will be published on the MMO website. The MMO will be responsible for administering the new system. A copy of the Statutory Instrument (2012/ 827) and the explanatory memorandum can be viewed on the Legislation website.

Guidance notes

You can read the UK Fisheries Administrations’ guidance notes on:

• Applying for a licence
• Making changes to your fishing vessel licence
• Fishing vessel engine power

on the MMO website.