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).
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.
Understanding when and why discards occur is key, so a sub-group of the Bass Management Group, helped to design this infographic.
King Scallop FMP
Introduction
The king scallop 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.