MMO plans to allocate 65 unused bass authorisations

The Marine Management Organisation plans to make 65 unused European bass authorisations available to additional vessels. Its 2 November announcement limits the opportunity to single-hull boats under eight metres that do not already hold a bass authorisation.

The permits would allow hook-and-line fishing only. Eligible written applications will be anonymised and entered into a random ballot, with supporting guidance explaining the assessment process.

The measure follows a 2025 authorisation review under the Bass Fisheries Management Plan. The regulator says applications will launch shortly; it has not announced successful recipients. Applying will not guarantee authorisation, and the announcement should not be read as removing other controls on the fishery.