Fishing vessel licence requirements
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-08)

The licence sets out where you can fish, what you are not allowed to fish and the limits for the stocks you are allowed to fish and land.

Introduction

Fishing vessels registered in the UK and fishing within UK waters must have a domestic fishing vessel licence to fish for sea fish that will be sold. The purpose of the licensing system is to restrict the size of the UK fleet and control UK fishing opportunities to stay within quota limits.

There are different types of licence, depending on the length of the vessel, the species fished and the waters the vessel will operate in. You need a domestic fishing vessel licence to fish in UK waters. For fishing opportunities outside of UK waters you should contact the UK Single Issuing Authority (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia).

This guide helps you to decide if you need a licence and the type of licence that you need. It also explains that you will have to register your vessel and obtain a licence entitlement before you can apply for a vessel licence.

Do you need a fishing vessel licence?

If your vessel is registered in the UK you must have a domestic fishing vessel licence to fish within the UK waters for sea fish that will be sold. The licence system ensures that the UK does not exceed its yearly quotas.

If you fish for sea fish without a licence and sell your catch, you may be prosecuted. You may have to pay a fine of up to £50,000 for each offence and forfeit your gear and fish.

No new licences are being issued so you will have to obtain a licence entitlement before you can apply for a licence.

Vessels that don’t require a licence

You don’t need a licence if:
- you only fish for salmon or migratory trout - contact the Environment Agency for more information
- your vessel is 10 metres or less in length and you’re only going to fish for common eels
- you only fish within the 12 nautical mile limits around Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man - contact the relevant authority for advice about their licensing requirements
- you only use your vessel for carrying anglers who are fishing for pleasure
Different types of fishing licence

The type of licence you need depends on the size of your vessel and the category your fishing activities fall into.

Read more about fishing vessel licence types (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-vessel-licence-types).

For fishing opportunities outside of UK waters you should contact the UK Single Issuing Authority. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia)

Help with deciding which licence to get

Your local Marine Management Organisation (MMO) office can advise you which licence you need.

You can find contact details for your local MMO office on the MMO website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation).

Further information
- Get a domestic fishing vessel licence: 10 metres or under (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-fishing-vessel-licence-vessels-10-metres-or-under)
- Get a domestic fishing vessel licence: over 10 metres (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-fishing-vessel-licence-vessels-over-10-metres)