MMO Fisheries Management Plan Updates
Latest updates and documents on the progress of fisheries management plans (FMPs), focusing on goals and management led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Bass FMP
Bass Authorisationauthorisation Reviewreview
Introduction
BassThe stocksbass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) sets out how we will keep bass fishing sustainable. A recent review looked at the system used to authorise commercial fishing vessels to land bass. The review made 24 recommendations to improve fishing opportunity, reduce bycatch, and protect stocks. These recommendations are managednot throughfinal measuresdecisions; likenext sizesteps limits,include authorisations,assessment seasonalof closuresimpacts and landingfuture limits.decision making on which recommendations to progress.
Background
The bass FMPfishery setis outmanaged through a range of measures designed to protect stocks and actionsensure tosustainability. achieveThese sustainablemeasures managementwere includingintroduced afollowing reviewconcerns about declining stocks caused by years of poor recruitment and high fishing pressure. Current measures include:
MinimumConservationReferenceSizeDomesticauthorisationsforcommercialbassfishingSeasonalclosuresforbothcommercialandrecreationalfishersLandingandbycatchlimitsacrossallsectors
In December 2023, the bass authorisationFMP system.was MMOpublished. ledIt sets out how we will manage bass sustainably for the review,long supportedterm. byOne akey diverseaction stakeholderof groupthe andFMP extensiveis engagementto aroundreview the Englishsystem coast.for authorising commercial fishing vessels to land bass.
BackgroundStakeholder Involvement
The 2025Marine Management Organisation (MMO) led this review producedwith 24help recommendationsfrom aimeda atgroup providingof sustainablecommercial fishingand opportunities,recreational reducingfishermen, discards,regulators improvingand dataenvironmental collection,groups. They met over multiple meetings and supportinggathered theviews long-termfrom sustainabilitynearly of300 stakeholders at 20 coastal events. This input has been central to shaping the bassreview’s fishery.outcomes.
Key proposalsOutcomes
The includereview issuinghas unusedproduced authorisations,24 creatingrecommendations opportunitiesaimed forat youngimproving fishers,sustainable offeringfishing gearopportunities, switchingsupporting options,adaptive discardmanagement, reduction and gearstrengthening trials.evidence-based decision-making for bass stocks.
Important note: These proposalsrecommendations do not represent the official position of Defra or MMO policy at this stagestage. butThey are proposals developed through stakeholder engagement and will undergonow enter a formal a decision-making processprocess. soWhile thatnot eachall recommendationrecommendations canmay be adopted, this process ensures each is carefully considered.
Reporting
Increasing bassthe discardsnumber infographic
Introduction
Background
Theto bassswitch FMPfrom supportsfixed effortsgillnet authorisation to avoidhooks and reducelines
Understanding- whenincluding an Inshore drift netting scientific trial
King Scallop FMP
Introduction
The king scallop FMPFisheries Management Plan (FMP) recognises the use of closures as a management tool and includes specific actions to develop a sound evidence base for the use of closures as a measure to protect stocks, along with principles or criteria around when and where closures may be appropriate.
Background
Closing a fishery to protect stocks is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. This scallop closure guidance document has been developed by MMO, in conjunction with the king scallop implementation group, to summarise the analysis and criteria to be applied when considering closures, as set out in the FMP. This collaborative approach is intended to help create clear guidance around the use of closures as a management tool and provide a clear process and use of evidence for decision making.
Further FMP updates
Updates to this page
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Reporting bass discards infographic added
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Page structure update. The Bass Authorisation Review section has been summarised.
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Friday 19 December 2025 update - King Scallop FMP added.
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First published.