MMO Fisheries Management Plan Updates
Latest updates on the progress of fisheries management plans (FMPs), focusing on goals and management led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Species identification (ID) cards
Use our ID cards to help identify species and record them with the correct codes.
A common goal for many FMPs is to improve the evidence and data that is gathered.
How species are recorded on Record Your Catch is crucial for improving the quality of MMO’s fisheries data, which aids in making management choices.
Some non-quota species are being logged with general FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) species codes when specific ones should be used. For instance, the common octopus should be recorded as OCC instead of just octopus, which is OCT.
These cards will help users to identify various species and provide the FAO codes for accurate logging.
If you’d like free printed copies, contact your local MMO office.
Bass FMP
Bass Authorisation Review
Introduction
Bass stocks are managed through measures like size limits, authorisations, seasonal closures and landing limits. The bass FMP set out measures and actions to achieve sustainable management including a review of the bass authorisation system. MMO led the review, supported by a diverse stakeholder group and extensive engagement around the English coast.
Background
The 2025 review produced 24 recommendations aimed at providing sustainable fishing opportunities, reducing discards, improving data collection, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the bass fishery.
Key proposals include issuing unused authorisations, creating opportunities for young fishers, offering gear switching options, discard reduction and gear trials.
These proposals do not represent Defra or MMO policy at this stage but will undergo a formal a decision-making process so that each recommendation can be carefully considered.
Reporting bass discards infographic
Introduction
A new infographic has been designed for the commercial fleet to raise awareness of and encourage the reporting of discards.
Background
The bass FMP supports efforts to avoid and reduce bass discards.
Understandingdiscards and understanding when and why discards occur is key,key.
An soinfographic has abeen designed for the commercial fleet to raise awareness of and encourage the reporting of discards.
A sub-group of the Bass Management Group, helped to design this infographic.
King Scallopscallop FMP
Introduction
The
King king scallop closure guidance
The 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 closuresthey 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 kingKing scallopScallop implementationImplementation group,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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Species ID cards section added with ID cards for cuttlefish, gurnard, octopus, shark and squid.
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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.
Update history
2026-08-18 15:30
Species ID cards section added with ID cards for cuttlefish, gurnard, octopus, shark and squid.
2026-03-30 09:30
Reporting bass discards infographic added
2025-12-19 15:32
Friday 19 December 2025 update – King Scallop FMP added.
2025-12-08 16:02
First published.