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Use the Fish Export Service to create a UK catch certificate for fish and shellfish caught by UK flagged vessels for export.
The UKSIA manages UK domestic fishing vessel access to non-UK waters and foreign vessel access to UK waters.
Information about the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
The variation effective from 00:01hrs Thursday 01 October 2026
Use this service to create a UK processing statement for fish and shellfish that have been imported or landed directly into the UK for processing, ready for export.
How developers can get advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and applications for planning, permission in principle and technical details consent.
Find out how to create a Defra account so you can notify the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) about an exempt activity.
Create and submit catch records for all English and Welsh under 10 metre (U10m) flag vessels that fish in UK waters.
Find out if your marine activity needs a licence, exemption or permission from another authority or organisation.
Details of how to apply for a marine licence, what documents you need to provide, how much it costs and how long it will take
Marine protected areas protect important habitats, species and ecosystems. Find out what marine protected areas and highly protected marine areas are, how the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) manages activities in them, …
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will open a bluefin tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) in English waters in 2026. The MMO will run the application process and will issue permits only for vessel…
How to understand each part of your fishing vessel licence – vessel details, conditions, schedule, annex and their current copies.
How the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) assesses potential impacts on marine protected areas within 12 nautical miles of the English coast and decides if management is needed
Permission is required for a burial at sea in the UK marine area.
Guidance on where marine licensing applies and what the key terms mean.
Details of Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) in UK waters.
Information to help you answer your query before you contact us.
Find marine planning information for England, including data on marine licenses, environmental designations and policy information from regional marine plans.
During 2025 and into 2026, fishermen in South West England reported a surge in sightings and landings of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), often referred to as an “octopus bloom”. This webpage provides updates on how the Ma…
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