19 Aug 2025
Photo by Nick Fewings A significant gap has emerged in the UK’s fishing vessel monitoring system after a major supplier halted data transmission to authorities over an unresolved contract dispute, leaving an unknown number of under-12 metre vessels untracked. Succorfish stopped forwarding positional data to the UK VMS Hub on 11th August, citing the […]
05 Aug 2025
Photo of Les Philpott (sourced from https://www.gov.uk/government/people/les-philpott) Les Philpott has been appointed as the new Chair of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the UK government announced on July 30. His three-year term will begin on August 7, 2025. Philpott currently serves as Chair of the Government Actuary’s Department, Lead Non-Executive Board Member at the […]
22 Jul 2025
Photo by Rob Wicks The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced substantial progress in the rollout of the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) for England’s under-12m fishing fleet. Two months following the enforcement of the licence condition on 12 May 2025, over 80% of the targeted vessels have purchased and installed the required devices. […]
24 Jun 2025
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published the findings of research that examined the potential feasibility of a targeted octopus fishery in southwest England based on stakeholder observations of generally increasing abundance of octopus and subsequent increase in bycatches. The project investigated trends in octopus abundance spatially and temporally, as well as exploring opportunities and […]
24 Jun 2025
A new initiative to streamline marine licensing to support sustainable growth, clean energy and the UK’s future infrastructure whilst safeguarding the seas around England’s shores, has been launched. The collaboration led by the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) directly supports the UK government’s wider ambition to boost economic growth […]
27 May 2025
Image: Brighton Marina by Being Momentx The MMO has been heavily criticised for renewing a licence for the Brighton marina to dispose of sediment, in Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. While the marina needs to be dredged to allow vessels to access the marina, there are fears that the sediment is smothering marine […]
13 May 2025
Image description: The Seven Sisters in Sussex. Image by Andres Stefuca / Pexels. The Prosecution: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has secured the first successful prosecution for a contravention of an MMO marine protected area (MPA) byelaw. Christoph Gouy, Master of the French-registered fishing vessel Pierre D’Ambre, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates Court to […]
15 Apr 2025
Mackerel sustainability rating downgraded in Good Fish Guide Image description: A close up shot of a school of mackerel. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recently updated their Good Fish Guide in line with the latest scientific advice, resulting in a downgraded sustainability rating for mackerel. Mackerel caught by midwater trawl in the Northeast […]
