Quota leasing scheme - July 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, MMO is taking the following action for English vessels.
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.
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 final 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 in 2026. 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. 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 have already held two opportunities for quota leasing. The third and final 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 Monday 27 July 2026. Applications must be completed using the form located below.
The first window took place from the 9th to the 22nd of January 2026, and the second window took place 8th to 22nd April. This is the 3rd and final window for 2026. Applications received outside of these windows will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
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 application 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 |