Single Area Licence Conditions

The MMO is harmonising rules in relation to beam trawling for Sole in 7e, which currently only apply to UK beam trawlers. This is known as Single Area licencing. The new rule will apply to all nationalities of beam trawlers operating in the relevant area of 7e.

Beam trawlers that fish in the relevant area (UK waters of 7e east of 5 West, see chart below) must not fish outside ICES area 7e on the same trip and must depart from and return to a UK port. Alternatively, vessels will be able to fish outside ICES area 7e on the same trip provided they contact the UKFMC before commencing fishing in the relevant area and prior to exit and on request make the vessel available at a checkpoint.

Where a vessel is not required by the UK FMC to facilitate an inspection it may continue to any area outside ICES area 7e.

Details of the new measures will be incorporated into vessel licence conditions.