Skip to main content

News and press archive 2011

December
(23 December) Fish merchant and owner fined for 30 counts of failing to comply with various fisheries legislation
(16 December) Changes announced to approval of UK oil spill treatment products

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today announced changes to the approval scheme for UK oil spill treatments following a review earlier this year.
(15 December) Chief Executive appointed to Marine Management Organisation

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has appointed James Cross as Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
November
(25 November) Company fined for failing to submit sales notes
(25 November) Sprats fisheries update

The North Sea sprats fishery will reopen on 1 December following a swap of 100 tonnes. Catch limits will be updated once these are known. The VIIde sprats fishery will also reopen on 1 December. Again, catch limits will be posted on the website in due course.
(24 November) Marine planning Evidence and Emerging Issues Report published today

A draft report on relevant evidence and marine planning issues in the East of England has been published for the first time today (24 November 2011) by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

The Evidence and Emerging Issues Report highlights current and future issues, including opportunities for a range of marine activities and users.
(21 November) Master/owner fined for trawl net offences
(21 November) Merchant and buyer plead guilty to storing and transporting undersized lobsters
(17 November) Apply now for English 2012 catch quota trials (North Sea and Western stocks)

Applications are invited for new trials of catch quota schemes in the North Sea and in Western Waters for 2012. The schemes may be extended to include further species such as plaice, anglerfish and saithe.
(14 November) Marine chemical spill response: UK guidelines now available

A set of new guidelines for tackling oil or chemical spills at sea has been published.

The guidelines provide the principles upon which effective post-spill monitoring and impact assessment in UK waters will be based on and are supported by the 19 UK government partners involved in post-spill issues, including the Marine Management Organisation.
(9 November) Sprats fisheries

Both the North Sea and Area VIId and VIIe sprats fisheries remain closed at this time.

We are working hard to actively seek additional quota from a variety of sources.

Updated information will be posted on the website as soon as this becomes available.
(7 November) Quota trial shows reduction in discards

A report released today by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) reveals a significant reduction in fish being thrown away at sea as a result of its catch quota trials.

Vessels in the South West and the North Sea are taking part in the trials as part of the UK’s initiative to tackle the problem of discarding, where dead fish are thrown away at sea if fishermen have no quota left for a particular species.
(7 November) Ribble Estuary and Wirral cockle fisheries

The North West Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) has passed an emergency byelaw to close the Ribble Estuary and Wirral cockle fisheries from 00.01 on Monday 7 November.

More information from NWIFCA
(3 November) Area VII scallop fishery notice

UK fisheries administrations wish to advise fishermen that the Area VII scallop fishery for the over 15 metre fleet is being reopened with effect from 00.01 on 4 November 2011.

Fisheries administrations are issuing licence variations forthwith.
(2 November) Under 10 metre leasing scheme update

Many thanks to everyone that provided comments about the current leasing scheme. These comments were fed into the internal meeting that was held on the 27 October in Newcastle.

The leasing scheme will continue for 2012, although minor changes may be made and information regarding these will be made available in the future.
October
(26 October) Scallop effort in Area VII under the Western Waters effort regime update

We have provisionally agreed swaps with France and the Republic of Ireland to bring in Western Waters scallop effort, which may lead to the fishery being reopened.
(25 October) Announcement to fishing industry on extension of entitlements

UK fisheries administrations are currently carrying out discussions on establishing a revised agreement related to the way responsibilities for the management of fishing activity within the UK are distributed.
(21 October) Have your say on the work of the Marine Management Organisation (Press release 24/11)

The Marine Management Organisation exists to contribute to the Government’s vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas. We do this principally in the areas of marine licensing, fisheries management, marine conservation and marine planning.

We are committed to providing opportunities for everyone with an interest in the marine area to have their say on our work to contribute to the sustainable development of the marine area.

We are therefore inviting informal views on our Corporate Plan 2011-15 that sets out the work we will deliver over the next four years.
(21 October) £560,000 funding for English fishing industry (Press release 23/11)

Over £560,000 has been granted to the English fishing industry from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in the last five months, it has been announced.

The funding, granted to 39 projects in England between June and October 2011, is being used towards a range of developments, including 15 fuel and safety improvement projects on vessels, 12 developments in fish processing and 12 projects which will benefit groups of people working in the industry.
(21 October) Master and owner fined for logbook and net offences
(14 October) Changes to outboard engine power declaration for fishing vessel registration and licensing

UK fisheries administrations and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have announced changes to the rules regarding registration and licensing of fishing vessels operating with outboard engines.
(12 October) Under 10 metre leasing scheme

We are currently seeking views from the fishing industry regarding the 2011-12 under 10 metre leasing scheme.

We would like to invite comments on whether the leasing scheme should continue for 2012 and if there are any changes or problems you may face with the current regime.
(5 October) £245,000 funding boost for aquaculture education

The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is helping the development of the aquaculture industry in England by investing in education and training facilities for its future workforce.

Through the EFF scheme a grant of around £245,000 is being provided to help Sparsholt College in Winchester to improve its learning environment.
September
(30 September) Under 10 metre quota stock needs and monthly catch limits survey 2012

Following the first online survey in 2011 that was introduced to help provide us with additional information, we are again carrying out a voluntary survey to gain further information direct from operators to inform our inshore fisheries management decisions in 2012. We will use the information that we received in last year’s survey but would also welcome information from any fishermen. We cannot guarantee that we can give the levels of quota you require, but as a starting point we want to gather information on the levels of quota fishermen think they need to be able to catch in order to be viable as a business.
(29 September) Scallop effort in Area VII under the Western Waters effort regime update

Fisheries administrations met with a number of producer organisations (POs) and other bodies interested in the Area VII Scallop fishery at the end of August. Effort in this fishery is limited (along with a number of other fisheries) by the Western Waters effort regime (Council Regulation (EC) No 1415/2004).

The UK limit for 2011 is 3.3 million kilowatt days. Current projections show a likelihood of exceeding this total, by approximately 0.85 million kilowatt days.

Given the developing situation administrations have concluded that it is now necessary to temporarily close the fishery. This will affect vessels of 15 metres and longer.
(29 September) Annual UK fishing industry report published (press release 22/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) publishes its annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2010 report today, which shows an increase in both the quantity and value of fish landed by the UK fleet.

The report includes detailed figures on the UK fishing fleet, the number of fishermen, the quantity and value of landings, international trade and the state of key fishing stocks. The publication has been fully refreshed this year and now includes many new data sets.
(28 September) Under 10 metre cod VIId consultation results

As option 1 had the most votes, the fishery will reopen on 1 October with a monthly catch limit of 150 kg. There will be no guarantee how long the quota will last as this is dependent upon uptake levels.
(20 September) MMO seek customer opinion on fees and charges

Having launched its new streamlined marine licensing system in April this year, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has taken the opportunity to carry out a small survey to find out customer opinion in relation to the guidance available on MMO fees and charges and the service the MMO provides for fees and charges queries.
(20 September) Northumberland fish producers' funding boost (Press release 21/11)

Northumberland’s fish producers and harbours are benefitting from over £100,000 of European funding.

More than £46,000 of the money, from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), has been awarded to Lindisfarne Oysters, Swallow Fish of Seahouses and L Robson and Sons of Craster, who are using it towards processing equipment. In addition a further £57,000 has also been provided towards improvements to harbours in Seahouses and Amble.
(20 September) Scallop effort in Area VII under the Western Waters effort regime

Fisheries administrations recently met with a number of fish producer organisations (POs) and other bodies interested in the Area VII scallop fishery. Effort in this fishery is limited, along with a number of other fisheries, by the Western Waters effort regime (Council Regulation (EC) No 1415/2004).

The UK limit for 2011 is 3.3 million kilowatt days. Present projections show a likelihood of a substantial over-shoot against this total of approximately 0.85 million kilowatt days.
(14 September) European Fisheries Fund panel application deadline 21 September

Wednesday 21 September is the next deadline for people seeking grants from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) towards large or particularly technical projects.
(8 September) Under 10 metre cod VIId consultation

The consultation for the management of Area VIId cod took place in January 2011. The results were to close the fishery in April leaving some quota for the end of the year. The current quota allocation for cod in the area for the under 10 metre fleet is 55.7 tonnes with 39 tonnes remaining to fish.
(5 September) Master and owner fined for logbook and landing declaration offences
August
(25 August) Increase of quantity and value of fish landed by UK fleet (Press release 20/11)

New statistics published today by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) show an increase in the quantity and value of fish landed by the UK fleet in 2010 compared with 2009.

The UK Fishing Industry in 2010: Landings report available on the MMO website provides a comprehensive overview of the quantity and value of species landed by UK and foreign vessels into the UK and by UK vessels landing abroad in 2010.
(10 August) Judge orders vessel to be confiscated
(3 August) Owner and master ordered to pay more than £50,000 for fishing offences
July
(29 July) MMO calls for vigilance on catches of bluefin tuna

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is calling for vigilance from the fishing industry to ensure they do not catch bluefin tuna. Recent reports received by the MMO indicate that the endangered bluefin tuna has been sighted and caught off the coast of Dorset.
(28 July) Owner and master fined for fisheries offences
(19 July) Owner and master fined for retaining undersized scallops
(15 July) Opportunities to influence management of England's inshore fisheries

People interested in shaping the management of inshore fisheries and conservation of the Northumberland and North West coasts of England are being encouraged to apply to join the areas’ inshore fisheries and conservation authorities (IFCAs).
(15 July) Biggest ever national sea angling survey to boost sport

Sea anglers in England are to be asked what fish they catch and what they return in the biggest ever survey of the sport in England.

The survey, Sea Angling 2012, aims to find out how many people enjoy the sport, how much fish they catch, what is returned alive, and how important the sport is to the country’s economy.
(13 July) MMO welcomes European Commission announcement on CFP reform

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today welcomed the announcement on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

The MMO plays a critical role in managing sustainable fisheries and has the difficult balancing task of ensuring that stocks are managed throughout the year to maximise fishing opportunities for the UK industry, while ensuring that stocks are not overfished and the UK Government and taxpayer does not have to pay penalties.
(12 July) Owner and master fined for fisheries offences
(11 July) Owner and masters fined for fisheries offences
(7 July) Grant-funding for aquaculture projects highlighted

Businesses that have been awarded grants from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) towards aquaculture projects have shared their experiences. They feature in the July/August edition of trade publication Fish Farmer magazine, which highlights the funding available to the sector through the EFF.
June
(30 June) UK fishing industry report available online

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) publishes the first edition of its new statistical report The UK Fishing Industry in 2010: Structure and Activity today.

The report includes detailed data about the size and composition of the UK fishing fleet, the number of fishermen and UK fishing activity during 2010. The statistics also include new coverage of fishing effort in the Cod Recovery Zone and Western Waters. The report will inform and complement government policy and, in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) help inform changes to the Common Fisheries Policy.
(29 June) £2.4 million grant funded harbour development gets underway

A significant grant from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is being used towards the regeneration of Southwold Harbour in East Suffolk.
(22 June) EFF grants working to reduce fish discards in England

The European Fisheries Fund (EFF), Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are providing over £300,000 towards two projects which aim to help reduce fish discards.
(21 June) Owner and master fined for logbook offences
(20 June) Comments invited on draft MMO Compliance and Enforcement Strategy

It is vital that the people and organisations affected by our regulatory work understand how we approach our compliance and enforcement activities.
(15 June) Owner and master fined for fisheries offences
(14 June) Owner and master fined for exceeding quota
(10 June) £48,000 funding boost for English fishing industry

In May 2010, we approved over £48,000 of grants from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Six projects across England have been awarded the funding, which will support improvements on fishing vessels, investments in fish processing and work that will benefit groups within the fishing industry. The development represents a total investment of £98,000 in the English fishing industry once other public and private match funding towards the projects is included.
(8 June) School children to learn about sustainable fish (Press release 18/11)

Billingsgate Seafood School has been awarded £70,000 from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) to help teach school children in London and the South East about sustainable alternatives to popular fish products.
May
(27 May) Essential maintenance to the UK electronic recording system

Please be aware that from 8.30 am on Thursday 2 June 2011 the UK electronic recording system (ERS) website will be unavailable to allow UK fisheries authorities to perform essential system maintenance. Every effort will be made to ensure service resumes by, or before, 8.30 am on Friday 3 June. All parties will be notified once normal service has resumed.
(26 May) Licensing requirements for benthic grab and core sampling of the seabed (Press release 17/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is reminding developers of the need to obtain a licence before carrying out removals from the seabed including benthic grab sampling and vibrocore surveys.
(25 May) Interactive map for marine planning launches online (Press release 16/11)

An interactive map of our seas is now online, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced today. The Marine Planning Portal allows anyone logging on to view a range of information and locations, from details of wind farm developments to conservation areas, and understand how busy our seas have become.
(23 May) English aquaculture producers urged to apply for funding (Press release 15/11)

Aquaculture producers in England are being urged to apply for support from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which administers the EFF scheme in England, has revealed that fewer than 15 organisations and individuals in the aquaculture sector have so far applied for the grants on offer, despite over 380 areas being authorised for fish farming in England.
(23 May) MMO meet with local community on Rame Head review (Press release 14/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) met on 20 May 2011 with the local community of the Rame Head and Whitsand Bay area to discuss the recommendations of the Rame Head review findings. The meeting, at Millbrook Village Hall, was chaired by Sheryll Murray MP, and was well attended by members of the public and local representatives.
(20 May) Essential maintenance to the UK electronic recording system

Please be aware that from 8.30 am on Monday 23 May 2011 the UK electronic recording system (ERS) website will be unavailable to allow UK fisheries authorities to perform essential system maintenance. Every effort will be made to ensure service resumes by, or before, 8.30 am on Tuesday 24 May. All parties will be notified once normal service has resumed.
(11 May) Essential maintenance to the UK electronic recording system

Please be aware that from 8.30 am on Monday 16 May 2011 the UK electronic recording system (ERS) website will be unavailable to allow UK fisheries authorities to perform essential system maintenance. Every effort will be made to ensure service resumes by, or before, 8.30 am on Tuesday 17 May. All parties will be notified once normal service has resumed.
(6 May) European Fisheries Fund panel application deadline 11 May

Wednesday 11 May is the next deadline for people seeking grants from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) towards large or particularly technical projects. To be considered by the judging panel at the beginning of July applications must be received in full by 5 pm on 11 May.
(6 May) Engineering work on EU-funded quay wins acclaim

The transformation of the Western Quay at North Shields has won a prestigious civil engineering award. It was named as the North East’s best civil engineering project costing over £4 million at the Institute of Civil Engineers’ annual Robert Stephenson awards.
(3 May) Essential maintenance to the UK electronic recording system

Please be aware that from 8.30 am on Thursday 5 May 2011 the UK electronic recording system (ERS) website will be unavailable to allow UK fisheries authorities to perform essential system maintenance. It is anticipated that normal service will resume by 8.30 am on Friday 6 May, however given the nature of the planned works it may be later.
April
(28 April) New Chair for Marine Management Organisation

Sir William (Bill) Callaghan has been appointed Chair of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the body responsible for managing England’s marine resources, by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.
(21 April) Owner and master fined for retaining undersized lobsters and failing to comply with a requirement of an enforcement officer
(15 April) Confiscation orders and fines for partnership and fishing company
(14 April) Owner and master fined for catch composition/mesh size offences
(14 April) Essential maintenance to the UK electronic recording system

Please be aware that from 8.30 am on Wednesday 20 April 2011 the UK electronic recording system (ERS) website will be unavailable to allow UK fisheries authorities to perform essential system maintenance. It is anticipated that normal service will resume by 4 pm, however given the nature of the planned works it may be later.
(13 April) European funding helps put Hartlepool shellfish on the menu (Press release 13/11)

A Hartlepool fish wholesaler is looking forward to moving into new markets after it was awarded £115,500 of European funding to extend its factory.

The money, made available through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), will help W Hodgson Limited to expand its factory by up to 50 per cent and increase its offering of freshly caught local fish.
(12 April) Harbour masters hear about European funding opportunities

On Wednesday 6 April 2011 we spoke at the UK Harbour Masters' Association (UKHMA) spring seminar about the money available for fishing ports and harbours through Axis 3 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
(12 April) Marine planning for England gets underway (Press release 12/11)

Marine planning for England formally begins today (12 April).

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is now producing plans to inform and guide marine regulators and users from Flamborough Head down to Felixstowe, and has also published a guide on how to have your say.
(6 April) New marine licence system (Press release 11/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), who contribute to the sustainable development of the marine area, have today (6 April 2011) launched a new system for licensing marine activities in seas around England, a commitment set out in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

The new system will result in a streamlined application process for developers, and will enable the MMO to publish information about how our decisions take into account the needs of coastal communities and the environment.
March
(28 March) £1.9 million European funding boost for English fishing industry (Press release 10/11)

More than £1.9 million European funding has been approved for the English fishing industry during March 2011. A total of 16 projects could benefit from the money, made available through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
(24 March) North Sea sole under 10 metre monthly catch limits and swaps

The initial allocation for the under 10 metre pool North Sea sole fishery for 2011 is 101 tonnes. We are pursuing a series of swaps in order to top up this initial allocation and provide a higher monthly catch limit for sole. No swaps have been confirmed at the moment but we hope to finalise these details during the next few weeks.
(17 March) Sole VIIe monthly catch limit change

Due to the low allocation for the under 10 metre fleet in Area VIIe, the monthly catch limits have been provisionally set in order to allow each region of the area access to quota when they require it. A recent request for an increase in catch limit for March prompted discussions with marine offices along the South West coast.
(10 March) Consultation on Corporate Plan 2011-15

We would like to invite you to review our draft Corporate Plan 2011-15 and send any comments you have to us by 12 noon on Friday 18 March.
(8 March) MMO announces findings of independent review of disposal site (Press release 09/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) announced today (Tuesday 8 March 2011) the findings of an independent review into licensed activities at the Rame Head disposal site near Plymouth.

The MMO was asked in June 2010 by Richard Benyon, the Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, to determine whether the conditions under which licences had been granted remained valid, and that any environmental effects remained tolerable.
(7 March) Sole discard reduction trial - extension to deadline for invitation to participate to 16 March

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has decided to extend the deadline for applications to this trial in response to industry feedback and queries. Please note that this revised deadline is final. The MMO are running a discard reduction trial to reduce discards of sole from beam trawlers in the South West Area VIIe. This project is a follow up to the very successful Project 50%, which saw discards in the beam trawl fishery reduced by over 50 per cent. It will investigate how the use of catch quotas can further reduce discards of sole in this fishery.
February
(23 February) Humberside ports now designated for landings of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation fish stocks

The Humberside ports of Grimsby, Hull and Immingham are now designated for landings of fish caught from stocks under the management of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO).
(23 February) English fishermen urged to apply now for chance of Innovation funding (Press release 08/11)

Under 10 metre sector fishermen are being encouraged to submit their applications soon if they want to be considered for the European Fisheries Fund Innovation Fund scheme.

People interested in applying should submit their applications in advance of the 31 March deadline if they want to be considered for the 90 percent rate of funding on offer.
(15 February) UK oil spill treatment review begins (Press release 07/11)

A six-week consultation on how to treat oil spills has been launched today (15 February). Representatives from across industry, government and the environmental sector have been urged to have their say as part of the Oil Spill Treatment Product Approval Scheme review led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
(10 February) Informal consultation on new marine licensing system

Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provides a framework for a new marine licensing system that will enable regulators to make sustainable and effective decisions on activities that may be carried out in the marine area.
January
(31 January) European funding boost for North Shields fish quay regeneration (Press release 06/11)

Regeneration plans for North Shields fish quay have received a £45,000 boost from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).

The money, given to fish processing company Frank Round Ltd, will see them to relocate their factory from Clifford’s Fort Moat which will help to bring the historic building back into public view.
(27 January) Announcement on Port of Falmouth development (Press release 05/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) today (Thursday 27 January) announced it is not allowing the application for the Port of Falmouth development initiative to proceed in its current form.
(24 January) Call to have your say on our seas (Press release 04/11)

Marine planning – a world first happening along the east coast of England – needs your input.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will soon start the first stage of producing marine plans to inform and guide marine regulators and users from the Humber down to Felixstowe.
(20 January) Funding available for optional safety equipment

Fishermen looking to buy additional safety equipment are being encouraged to apply for support from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Up to 60 per cent funding is available towards non-mandatory safety equipment through Axis 1 of the EFF scheme, the pot of money specifically set out for improvements on fishing vessels.
(19 January) £1 million expansion for Devon seafood company thanks to EU grant (Press release 03/11)

A Devon seafood company is looking forward to moving into new markets after work to extend its factory was completed. Paramount 21 Ltd, based in Newton Abbot, recently received the keys to its new fry line extension, which was made possible following help from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
(18 January) £10,000 boost for "vital" harbour facilities in Whitby (Press release 02/11)

Whitby Harbour is to benefit from £10,000 worth of lifting equipment after the Marine Management Organisation agreed its application for a grant from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The money will be used to install a new heavy duty landing davit in the lower harbour, something the port has been without since mid-2010 when the existing crane was removed from use after almost 40 years’ service.
(14 January) Judge orders boat to be forfeited
(14 January) Under 10 metre monthly catch limits consultation results (cod VIId and North Sea whiting)

We have collected and reviewed the results from the under 10 metre quota needs and stocks survey - many thanks to everyone who completed it. A summary will be available on our website before the end of February.
(14 January) Marine Management Organisation calls for tender for research and sustainability appraisal

The calls for tender are for two projects/contracts:

  • The relationship between marine planning and coastal socio-economic development with particular reference to the East of England (deadline 4.00 pm on 9 February)
  • Sustainability appraisal for East Inshore and East Offshore marine plans (deadline 12 noon on 16 February).
(6 January) Call for information on north Norfolk seal deaths (Press release 01/11)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is calling for residents around the north Norfolk coast to come forward if they have any information on further seal deaths in the area.

Four more seals were found dead in December, further to the 41 already being investigated by the MMO since August 2010. Three of these have similar injuries, while the fourth is still being investigated.

Press office contacts

Marine Management Organisation
PO Box 1275
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 5BN
Tel: 0191 376 2543 (24 hour)
Email: media@
marinemanagement.org.uk

Rachel Forster
Mobile: 07789 272 170