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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…
The Blue Belt Programme supports the UK Overseas Territories with the protection and sustainable management of their marine environments.
How to carry out and use landscape and seascape character assessments.
Guidance on where marine licensing applies and what the key terms mean.
Find out how to create a Defra account so you can notify the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) about an exempt activity.
Information on the rules, regulations and restrictions for bass fishing from 1 January 2026,
Find out how the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) will support UK fishing businesses and coastal communities.
How to export or move fish for human consumption from the UK.
Find out when the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) can use a marine conservation byelaw, how permanent and urgent emergency byelaws are made, and how to find restrictions that are currently in force.
Information on the different types of commercial fishing vessel licences.
This is the Marine Management Organisation's Harbour Orders public register page.
Wreck and salvage laws, the role of the Receiver of the Wreck, wreck owners and salvors and how to report wreck material.
Information about the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme funding rounds.
Our flexible service can provide tidal information tailored to your specific requirements.
This guidance explains when dredging activities may need a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation.
The Blue Book is a single collection of UK and EU laws.
Find guidance about marine non licensable activities, information for a named marine protected area, current opportunities to take part and published research and evidence.
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 apply for a commercial domestic fishing licence for vessels 10m and under
How offshore wind developers can apply to use the Marine Recovery Fund to secure strategic compensatory measures.
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