Bass authorisation review report published
In June 2025, the Bass Management Group (BMG) highlighted that the system for authorising commercial fishing vessels to land bass in England was being reviewed under Goal 2 in the bass fisheries management plan (FMP) which covers fair access to the bass fishery, while prioritising stock sustainability.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) led the review with help from a group of commercial and recreational fishermen, regulators and environmental groups. They met over multiple meetings and gathered views from nearly 300 stakeholders at 20 coastal events.
The review produced 24 recommendations to help with the long-term health of the fishery.
Key proposals include:
• Increasing the number of authorisations to land bass
• A scheme providing access for young people wishing to enter the fishery
• Allowing fishers the option to switch from fixed gillnet authorisation to hooks and lines
• Gear trials – including an inshore drift netting scientific trial
• Establishing a working group to review demersal trawls and seines
• A bycatch allowance trial for non-authorised fixed gillnet fishers
• Development of an accredited hook-to-plate bass fishery
• Adjustments to engine power and vessel size restrictions
The recommendations also align with broader FMP goals, such as reducing bycatch and discards, improving data collection, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the bass fishery.
These recommendations are not final decisions. Defra and the BMG will now look at the evidence, consult further, and assess impacts before any changes are made.
The report can be found here: Bass authorisation review report
An infographic and video have also been produced summarising the report:
Bass authorisation review infographic: Bass authorisation review infographic
Bass authorisation review video: Outlining the recommendations of the bass authorisation review – YouTube
If you have any questions, please email: bassFMP@defra.gov.uk
For further information visit the FMP blog page: MMO publishes bass authorisation review report – Fisheries Management Plans