UK MMO

Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm Development Consent Granted

The Secretary of State granted development consent to GTR4 Limited on 10 February 2026 for the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm. The project, located approximately 54 km off the Lincolnshire coast, will comprise up to 100 wind turbine generators, an offshore accommodation platform, up to six offshore transformer substations, and export cables making landfall at Wolla Bank. The 1.5 GW development is expected to deliver first power in 2030 and contribute to the UK Government's target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The MMO collaborated with the developer and Planning Inspectorate throughout the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project examination process.

UKSIA Fishing Vessel Licensing Guidance

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) acting as UKSIA published guidance on fishing vessel licensing for UK and foreign vessels. From 1 January 2026, UK vessels are no longer authorised to fish in Faroes Exclusive Economic Zone due to quota concerns. UK vessels require external waters licences to fish outside British Fishery Limits, with vessels 12m and over needing IMO numbers.

UK Quota Use Statistics - Fishing Catches Data Sets Updated April 2026

The UK Marine Management Organisation published updated quota use statistics showing fish catch uptake against allocations for 2026. Data sets covering Area 4&6, Major Pelagic, Deep Sea, Faroes, and Area 7 & Minor Pelagic zones have been updated as of 15 April 2026. The spreadsheets monitor weekly and monthly catches by producer organisations against their quota allocations.

£132M Fisheries and Seafood Scheme Relaunched for Fishing Industry

The UK Government has relaunched the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) with £132 million available over five years from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. The scheme, administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and funded through Defra, will support fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors, with applications to panel due by 1 May, 12 June, and 4 September 2026. Since opening in 2021, the scheme has invested £40 million in 1,892 projects. Eligible applicants include fishermen, seafood businesses, coastal communities, port authorities, education institutions, and community groups of all sizes.

Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth Transfer of Undertaking Harbour Revision Order

The Marine Management Organisation has made The Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth (Transfer of Undertaking) Harbour Revision Order 2026, following an application by Associated British Ports under Section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964. The order formalises the transfer of harbour undertaking at the ports of Fleetwood and Silloth. Associated British Ports submitted the formal application on 20 March 2025, and the signed order with decision documentation was published on 16 April 2025 with subsequent updates through April 2026.