MMO Fisheries Management Plan Updates

Use our ID cards to help identify species and record them with the correct codes.

A common goal for many FMPs is to improve the evidence and data that is gathered.  

How species are recorded on Record Your Catch is crucial for improving the quality of MMO’s fisheries data, which aids in making management choices. 

Some non-quota species are being logged with general FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) species codes when specific ones should be used. For instance, the common octopus should be recorded as OCC instead of just octopus, which is OCT.  

These cards will help users to identify various species and provide the FAO codes for accurate logging. 

If you’d like free printed copies, contact [email protected]. 

This review delivers an FMP commitment to assess intertidal shore-netting regulations, their effectiveness and impacts, and whether further protections are needed to reduce bycatch of migratory fish.

European bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a valuable commercial and recreational species supporting coastal communities. After stocks declined between 2009 and 2018, management measures were introduced to support recovery. A 2021 derogation allowed regulated shore-based net fisheries in certain areas to retain unavoidable bass bycatch.

This review looks at how that derogation has been implemented, levels of bycatch, and compliance with the rules.

Bass stocks are managed through measures like size limits, authorisations, seasonal closures and landing limits. The bass FMP set out measures and actions to achieve sustainable management including a review of the bass authorisation system. MMO led the review, supported by a diverse stakeholder group and extensive engagement around the English coast.

The 2025 review produced 24 recommendations aimed at providing sustainable fishing opportunities, reducing discards, improving data collection, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the bass fishery.