Fisheries management: Vessel licensing
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 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.
All engine-powered UK-registered or British-owned vessels, which fish for profit for sea fish (other than salmon, migratory trout and eels) are required to hold a licence issued by UK Fisheries Administrations. In order 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 Inspector of Fisheries at one of the Marine Fisheries Agency's offices.
A report by the Joint Industry/Departmental Working Group was published in 2005:
(86 KB) Guidance notes
You can read the UK Fisheries Administrations' guidance notes on:
- Fishing vessel licensing - An Introduction
- Applying for a licence
- Making changes to your fishing vessel licence
- Fishing vessel engine power
at www.mfa.gov.uk/grants/liceguide.htm
Page last modified: 14 December 2007
Page published: 14 December 2007