Quota Leasing Scheme - January 2026
There is anticipated to be excess quota in the English non-sector pools. In order to make the best use of this quota and to ensure opportunities are available to as many vessels as possible, the MMO is taking the following action for English vessels.
Additional Quota Leasing window January 2026
Offer of underutilised quota to vessels in the non-sector with over 10 metre: Category B, C and no-quota annex licences.
The MMO is opening a window for vessels in the non-sector with over 10 metre: Category B, C and no-quota annex licences to apply for access to underutilised quota. Vessels with these licences have a limited number of quota stocks for which they can fish. Under this scheme, these vessels can apply for access to additional opportunities for the remainder of 2026. At this stage, only stocks where the MMO is confident there is excess within the non-sector pools will be released.
The offer means that a small amount of the quota allocated to the English non-sector pools will be distributed via the MMO to these vessels upon application and depending on availability. This will enable vessels with restricted non-sector licences to fish for the leased quota stocks up to and including 31 December 2026.
Throughout 2026, MMO will hold three opportunities for quota leasing. The first window is now open for applications.
Applications for access to this quota leasing window should be emailed to fmc@marinemanagement.org.uk by 23:59 on Thursday 22 January 2026.
Two further quota leasing windows will be held later in the year. The second window is expected to be held in April, with the final window due to be in August. Applications received outside of these windows will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Applications must be completed using the form located below. Where there are competing proposals for stocks the MMO will consider applications based on the economic, environmental and social benefits provided by the proposed fishing activity, as evidenced by the responses given on the form.
The stocks covered by this initiative are listed below, however other stocks may be considered:
| Brill – Area 7de | Skate and Rays – North Sea |
| Megrim - Area VII | Sole - North Sea |
| Nephrops – North Sea | Sole – Area 7d |
| Plaice – Area 7d | Sprats – 7de |
| Plaice – North Sea | Sprats – North Sea |
| Skate and Rays – Area 7d | Whiting – North Sea |