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 […]
15 Apr 2025
Image description: A side-on shot of a Cuttlefish. Image by Naveen Manohar / Pixabay The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced the launch of an action plan to support the cuttlefish fishery in English waters, following engagement with stakeholders. AN estimated 4,000 tonnes of cuttlefish are landed in the UK every year on average. […]
11 Mar 2025
As a new Crown Estate Act moves ever closer to becoming a reality, the final Parliamentary debates and readings of the Bill threw up discussions focussing on marine planning, devolution and community benefits. Final amendments to the Bill – which aims to modernise the management and investment powers of the Crown Estate and give broader […]
25 Jan 2025
The government has ordered offshore energy firms to avoid “noisy” detonations when disposing of unexploded bombs on the seabed. Over 300,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance from the First and Second World Wars sit on the UK seabed and, if encountered, must be cleared during the construction of offshore wind projects. Marine minister Emma Hardy said […]
