The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today, 2 November 2026, announced it will issue 65 unused European bass authorisations to open up the fishery to more vessels.
Owners and masters of single hull under-8 metre vessels will be picked through a written application followed by a randomised ballot for those who show they are eligible under the terms of the process.
The authorisations are currently not being used and will enable successful applicants to fish with hook and line only. They will be limited to vessels that do not currently have a bass authorisation.
These opportunities follow the outcomes of the 2025 bass authorisation review and are being delivered under the Bass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) .
Tim Dixon, MMO’s Head of Fisheries Management , said: “I’m very pleased to announce this increase in opportunities in the bass fishery.