News from the Marine Management Organisation - a trusted manager of sea fisheries and the marine environment, recognised for our fairness and valued for our professionalism, expertise and high standards Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk All four nations within the UK will be given greater power to manage their own fishing quotas following an agreement that has just been reached, Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon announced today. http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/05/18/fishing-quotas-devolved/ Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 UT http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/05/18/fishing-quotas-devolved/ Representatives from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) have been sharing their knowledge at the World Fisheries Congress. Alistair McDonnell, Head of the MMO’s Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Team and Dr Melanie Austen, the MMO’s Chief Scientific Advisor, are two of the panel members at the event, taking place in Edinburgh from 7 to 11 May 2012. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120511.htm Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120511.htm The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) launched its latest Report Card today at the World Fisheries Congress in Edinburgh. It focuses on how climate change is affecting the fish and shellfish we find in our seas, providing both opportunities and threats, and what the social and economic consequences could be. http://www.mccip.org.uk/ Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 UT http://www.mccip.org.uk/ The owner, Christopher Charles Dyer, and master, Adrian Russell Buckley, of the Emma Raitch (LT442), pleaded guilty after failing to comply with a licence condition by landing a species for which the fishery was closed at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court on 3 May 2012. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120504.htm Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120504.htm The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today (30 April) announced it has approved licences for ABP Southampton for works and associated dredging at berths 201 and 202 at the port of Southampton. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120430.htm Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120430.htm People interested in influencing the management of inshore fisheries around the North West and Isles of Scilly are being encouraged to apply to join the regions' inshore fisheries and conservation authorities (IFCAs). The Eastern IFCA, North Eastern IFCA, Kent and Essex IFCA, North Western IFCA and Isles of Scilly IFCA are all looking for a new member with experience and interest in commercial fisheries. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120416.htm Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:15:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120416.htm A report released today by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) reveals catch quota trials have significantly helped to reduce the amount of fish being thrown away at sea. The MMO is operating the trials on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the UK’s initiative to tackle the problem of discarding fish – where dead fish are thrown away at sea if fishermen have no quota left for a particular species. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120410.htm Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:15:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120410.htm We are changing the way we notify licence holders or nominees about variations to any part of your fishing vessel licence (conditions, schedule and annexe to a schedule). Under the Sea Fishing (Licence and Notices) (England) Regulations 2012 that came into force on 6 April 2012, variations will only be available on our website and will no longer be sent out by letter to licence holders or nominees. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120405.htm Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:15:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120405.htm We are pleased to announce that the next marine plan areas will be confirmed in July 2012, as work on the current plan areas continues. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120330.htm Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:45:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120330.htm Multi-million pound plans to develop more sustainable fishing communities in England are now underway in six areas around the coast. The work, funded through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) Axis 4 scheme, is being carried out by fisheries local action groups (FLAGs) which have started work in North and West Cumbria, North Norfolk, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hastings, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and North Devon since late autumn 2011. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120319.htm Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:45:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120319.htm The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), in conjunction with the Shark Trust, has published guidance for the fishing industry around the catching of a rare species of shark. Angel sharks are not often seen in our waters. Because they spend much of their time lying motionless on the bottom, partially buried in sediment, they are particularly susceptible to bycatch in trawls. In 2006 they were declared extinct in the North Sea and are considered very rare around our Western Waters. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120316.htm Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:45:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120316.htm The UK Government has decided to extend the current one year transition period for low risk maintenance dredging activities for a further two years in respect of English waters. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120312-2.htm Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120312-2.htm The Marine Management Organisation yesterday (Monday 5 March) granted an emergency licence to allow the removal of a dead sperm whale from Skegness beach in Lincolnshire. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120306.htm Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:10:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120306.htm The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) wrote to all producer organisations on 10 February 2012 informing them of the proposal to undertake a permanent realignment of fixed quota allocations (FQAs) associated with consistently underused quota. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120224.htm Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:15:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120224.htm As part of the Marine Management Organisation's (MMO) commitment to exceptional customer service, the MMO has today launched its second annual customer satisfaction survey. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120217.htm Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:15:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120217.htm The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has confirmed that grants may be available through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) in England towards fitting safety stop valves on fishing vessels. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120207.htm Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120207.htm As the East of England leads the way with the UK’s first marine plans, public drop-in sessions are being held along the coast to make sure residents are fully involved. A total of 12 sessions are being held in February – from Aldeburgh and Great Yarmouth to Hull and Bridlington – and a session is being held near you. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/120201.htm Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/120201.htm The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is inviting people with ideas to improve fisheries management to bid for funding towards their research. Through the Fisheries Challenge Fund (FCF) funding is available to enable fishermen and other interested parties to get involved in research projects looking at fisheries management issues. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120130.htm Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120130.htm During the South West Quota Advisory Group meeting that was held in December 2011 a monthly catch limit plan was discussed for cod VIIb-k for the under 10 metre pool. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120126.htm Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120126.htm The Marine Management Organisation is currently planning for future marine activities in the East Inshore and East Offshore marine plan areas, and we are inviting anyone with an interest in the future of our seas to come along to our public drop-in sessions. We are holding 12 public sessions along the East coast of England in February to explain what marine planning is, and what it means to coastal communities. Any individuals, marine groups or networks in the plan area are welcome, and can drop in to make sure their views are heard. From residents who enjoy a walk on the beach to keen sailors and anglers, we would like to hear from as many people as possible. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120119.htm Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120119.htm 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 January. We followed suggestions from the survey and the fishing industry to look at the monthly catch limits for cod VIId. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120118.htm Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/120118.htm The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today announced changes to the approval scheme for UK oil spill treatments following a review earlier this year. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111215.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111215.htm Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has appointed James Cross as Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111215.htm Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111215.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111124.htm Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111124.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111117.htm Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111117.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111114.htm Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111114.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/index.htm Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/index.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111107.htm Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111107.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/index.htm Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/index.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111202.htm Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111102.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111026.htm Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:40:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111026.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111025.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111025.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/111021-2.htm Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/111021-2.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/111021.htm Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/111021.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111014.htm Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111014.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111012.htm Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111012.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111005.htm Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/111005.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110930.htm Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110930.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110929.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110929.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/110929.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/110929.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110928.htm Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110928.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110920-2.htm Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:45:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110920-2.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/110920.htm Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/press/110920.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110920.htm Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110920.htm Wednesday 21 September is the next deadline for people seeking grants from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) towards large or particularly technical projects. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110914.htm Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:00:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110914.htm 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. http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110908.htm Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:30:00 UT http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/110908.htm