The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has opened applications for new sea bass fishing opportunities.
This follows recommendations from our 2025 review of bass authorisations. The review was an action set out under goal 2 of the bass fisheries management plan (FMP), which aims to balance fair access to the bass fishery with the long-term sustainability of bass stocks.
As a result, we're making 65 unused bass authorisations available through a new application process.
Why we're opening applications
Since 2015, sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has been carefully managed to help the stock recover.
Measures such as catch limits, seasonal closures and authorisations have helped reduce fishing pressure on bass stocks. To commercially catch and retain bass using certain fishing gears, fishermen must hold a bass authorisation. You can find more information in our Bass Fishing Guidance.
The review found that over the years, the number of vessels with bass authorisations has reduced. It also highlighted the importance of supporting coastal fishing businesses and communities where possible.
Making these unused authorisations available means more eligible fishermen may have the opportunity to enter the bass fishery, while maintaining existing management measures that support the long-term sustainability of the stock.
If you already hold a bass authorisation, this process will not affect your existing access.
Who can apply
Applications are open for English licensed commercial fishing vessels administered by MMO to apply for an authorisation to land bass caught using hooks and lines gear.
Applications only apply to vessels 8-metre-and-under with a single hull (monohull) that do not currently hold a bass authorisation.
How the application process works
Applications open today, Monday 9 November 2026 and close on Monday 21 December 2026, giving applicants six weeks to apply.
If your application meets the eligibility criteria, we will enter it into a ballot. Successful applicants will then be offered a bass authorisation with certain restrictions, which will be listed in the guidance document.
Find guidance explaining how to apply and what information you'll need to provide on the MMO Fisheries Management Plan Updates page on GOV.UK.
Help and support
We know applying for a new fishing opportunity can raise questions.
That's why MMO teams will be visiting ports and coastal locations to talk through the process, answer questions and support anyone who would like help with their application.
Details of these visits will be published on the FMP events page.
If you have any queries, please contact us at bassapplications@marinemanagement.org.uk
Keep up to date
You will find the latest information about the application process on the MMO Fisheries Management Plan Updates page on GOV.UK.