Bass boost for hook and line fishers
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today, 2 November 2026, announced it will issue 65 unused European bass authorisations to open up the fishery to more vessels.
Owners and masters of single hull under-8 metre vessels will be picked through a written application followed by a randomised ballot for those who show they are eligible under the terms of the process.
The authorisations are currently not being used and will enable successful applicants to fish with hook and line only. They will be limited to vessels that do not currently have a bass authorisation.
These opportunities follow the outcomes of the 2025 bass authorisation review and are being delivered under the Bass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP).
Tim Dixon, MMO’s Head of Fisheries Management, said: “I’m very pleased to announce this increase in opportunities in the bass fishery.
This is the culmination of all the hard work done by MMO, Defra and stakeholders across the commercial fishing industry in developing the Bass FMP and the bass review that came from it.
The bass fishery has been carefully managed since 2015 to support stock recovery, with measures such as catch limits, seasonal closures, and authorisations helping to reduce pressure on the stock.
While these measures have improved sustainability, the bass review identified a need to ensure wider access to opportunities and to support other goals such as reducing discards and supporting coastal communities.
We will launch the application process shortly, and we’ll support all applicants with guidance, access to further advice and engagement opportunities to help them make the most of this opportunity.
The process to determine which vessels receive an authorisation will be transparent and fair. All applications will be made anonymous before they are assessed, and entered into the blind ballot if they meet the criteria.
Supporting guidance will include details on eligibility and how applications will be assessed.
Applying will not guarantee access to the bass fishery, but every application will be considered.