Guidance

United Kingdom Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA)

The UKSIA manages UK domestic fishing vessel access to non-UK waters and foreign vessel access to UK waters.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is acting as the UK Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) to issue fishing vessel licences on behalf of the UK sea fish licensing authorities of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to manage UK fishing vessel access to non-UK waters, and foreign vessel access to UK waters.

The UK is an independent coastal state and vessels from the EU and other coastal states wishing to access UK waters will require a fishing vessel licence issued by the UKSIA.

In addition to their UK licence, UK vessels require external waters licences to fish in waters outside of British Fishery Limits, including waters of the European Union and other coastal states such as Norway and the Faroe Islands, and in the waters of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) to which the UK is a contracting party.

The UK fisheries authorities (Marine Scotland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Welsh Government and the Marine Management Organisation) remain responsible for the administration and management of UK vessel licensing within the UK EEZ.

UK Vessels

From 1 January 2021 vessels will require an external waters licence to fish outside of ‘British Fishery Limits’ (UK EEZ). Before applying for an external waters licence, please check that the area you intend to operate is outside of British Fishery Limits. View the map. Access for UK vessels to Crown Dependencies (CDs)’ territorial seas is through the relevant CDs who issue these fishing licences.

General Provisions for UK vessels

Applications for external waters licences must include a valid email address to which the licence will be issued and, for vessels 12m and over in length, an International Maritime Organization (IMO) number. Vessels will not be licensed without this information. If you have not notified your Sea Fish Licensing Authority or the SIA of a valid email address, or your email address has changed, you must send this to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with your vessel name, RSS number and PLN and we will update our records.

Vessels 12 metres and over in length must have an International Maritime Organization (IMO) number and permanently mark this in a visible place either on the ship’s hull or superstructure. If you do not already have a IMO number you can apply for free at http://imonumbers.ihs.com. You must notify the UK SIA of your IMO number by emailing it to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with your vessel name, RSS number and PLN and we will update our records accordingly.

EU waters

Fishing by UK vessels in EU waters is subject to authorisation by the European Commission and requires a valid external licence issued by the UKSIA. The list of UK vessels has been published below with a copy of the licence conditions.

If your vessel is on the list but you have not received a licence please contact the UKSIA via the email address in the ‘Contact the SIA’ section on this page.

If you intend to operate outside of British Fishery Limits and wish to apply for an external waters licence, please complete the application form and submit to the SIA via the email address in the ‘Contact the SIA’ section on this page.

Access to Republic of Ireland 0-6nm

Northern Irish vessels are only permitted to access waters within 0 and 6 nautical miles of the territorial sea adjacent to the Republic of Ireland if expressly authorised at Part 1 section 3 of their UK external waters licence.

Norwegian waters 2023

Fisheries consultations between the United Kingdom and Norway for 2023 concluded on the 24 November 2022; you can find out more information here. If your vessel has access to fishing opportunities in Norwegian waters you can now apply to the UK Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) for an external waters licence to fish in 2023. [Please note that the UKSIA will also accept applications for vessels with access to Svalbard fishing opportunities, however licences will not be issued until relevant regulations have been adopted.]

Please complete the application form at this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia and send it to the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk by 5 December 2022. If your application is received after the 5 December we will issue your licence as soon as practicable, this may be early January 2023.

You can apply at any time but you cannot undertake activity in Norwegian waters until you are in receipt of a valid external waters licence issued by the UKSIA and your vessel appears in the list of authorised vessels https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia#UK-vessellist.

If you have any queries please contact the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk or call 02080265062 or visit the UKSIA website United Kingdom Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Norway and Faroe Islands waters 2022

UK fishing vessel licensing in Faroes waters 2022

As of 00:01 hours on 10 December 2022 UK vessels will no longer be authorised to fish in in the Faroes Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ in order to prevent an overfish of allocated Cod and Haddock quota. No vessel flying the United Kingdom flag can be actively fishing from that time in the Faroese Exclusive Economic Zone.

The United Kingdom have started consultations with the Faroe Islands on a possible arrangement for 2023 under our Fisheries Framework Agreement and updates will be issued in due course.

If you have any queries please contact the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk or call 02080265062 or visit the UKSIA website United Kingdom Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Access to waters of Norway

Access to waters of Norway and the fishery protection zone around Svalbard have been agreed for 2022. Details can be found here Vessels with access to the relevant fishing opportunities can apply for an external waters licence by completing the application form below and submitting it to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk. The UKSIA will verify applications with your fisheries administration and forward valid applications to the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate for approval. Upon receipt of approval the UKSIA will issue the external waters licence by email.

Access to waters of the Faroe Islands

Access to waters of the Faroe Islands has now been agreed for 2022 and details can be found in our press release. You can apply for an external waters licence by completing the form below which must include authorisation from your producer organisation at Section C to confirm that your vessel has access to the relevant fishing opportunities in Faroese waters.

Completed applications must be submitted to the UKSIA UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk who will verify your application with your fisheries administration and forward valid applications to the Faroese Ministry of Fisheries (Vørn) for approval. Upon receipt of approval the UKSIA will issue the external waters licence by email.

UK external waters licences for Faroe Islands waters have now been issued and details can be found in the UK vessel list for external waters.

You must not fish in third country waters until you have received a valid external waters licence issued by the UKSIA, and you must check that your vessel is on the UK vessel list for external waters published on this webpage with an indication in the appropriate third county waters column. If any of the details on your external waters licence are incorrect or for any other enquires relating to your external waters licence please contact the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk.

UK fishing vessel licensing in RFMO waters 2023

If your vessel has access to fishing opportunities in NEAFC, ICCAT or IOTC waters you can now apply to the UK Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) for an external waters licence to fish in 2023.

Please complete the application form below and send it to the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk by midnight on 19 December 2023. If your application is received after the 19 December we will issue your licence as soon as practicable, this may be early January 2023.

You can apply at any time but you cannot undertake activity in NEAFC, ICCAT or IOTC waters until you are in receipt of a valid external waters licence issued by the UKSIA and your vessel appears in the list of authorised vessels https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia#UK-vessellist.

If you have any queries please contact the UKSIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk or call 02080265062 or visit the UKSIA website United Kingdom Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

RFMO Waters

If you intend to operate in the waters of an Regional Fisheries Management Organisation RFMO you will need a specific external waters licence in addition to your base domestic licence. Apply using the form below and submit to the SIA.

The relevant RFMO conditions below apply to those vessels appearing on the UK vessel list for external waters below with a corresponding positive entry in the columns headed “NEAFC Waters Access” or “IOTC Waters Access” (only at this time). Your foreign vessel licence is subject to licence conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them.

General provisions for UK vessels

Until you are issued a valid licence for the waters in which you intend to operate you must not fish and all fishing gear must be lashed and stowed if transiting.

If you have not notified your Sea Fish Licensing Authority or the SIA of a valid email address, or your email address has changed, you must send this to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with your vessel name, RSS number and PLN and we will update our records. In future, licences will only be issued by email.

Vessels 12 metres and over in length must have an International Maritime Organization (IMO) number and permanently mark this in a visible place either on the ship’s hull or superstructure. If you do not already have a IMO number you can apply for free at http://imonumbers.ihs.com. You must notify the UK SIA of your IMO number by emailing it to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with your vessel name, RSS number and PLN and we will update our records accordingly.

Foreign vessels

Since 1 January 2021 all foreign vessels are required to have a valid foreign vessel licence issued by the UKSIA to fish in UK waters including the UK EEZ, relevant areas of the UK 6-12nm zone, and in the 0-6nm zone around Northern Ireland. View the map

General Provisions for all foreign vessels

Until you are issued a valid licence for fishing in the UK EEZ or 6-12nm zone you must not fish and all fishing gear must be lashed and stowed if transiting. Enquiries regarding the licensing process for UK waters must be directed to your flag state fisheries authority.

Your foreign vessel licence is subject to licence conditions which are published on the UKSIA website. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them, and applicable UK law, including customs rules, when operating in UK waters.

Norwegian vessels

Applications for Norwegian vessels to fish in UK waters are submitted by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries to the UKSIA. For details on how to apply you must contact your flag state fisheries authority directly. Where an application is approved, the UKSIA will issue a foreign vessel licence directly to the vessel owner by email. If any of the details in the licence you receive are incorrect, you should inform your flag state fisheries authority immediately.

A list of Norwegian vessels issued foreign vessel licences can be found in our approved Norwegian vessel section.

Your foreign vessel licence is subject to licence conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them. You can find the conditions in our approved Norwegian vessel section.

EU Vessels

Applications for EU vessels to fish in UK waters are submitted by the European Commission to the UKSIA on behalf of EU Member States.

Where an application is approved, the UKSIA will issue a foreign vessel licence directly to the vessel owner by email. If any of the details in the licence you receive are incorrect, you should inform your flag state fisheries authority immediately.

A list of vessels issued foreign vessel licences can be found in our approved EU vessel section.

Your foreign vessel licence is subject to licence conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them. You can find the conditions in our approved EU vessel section.

Faroese vessels

Applications for Faroese vessels to fish in UK waters are submitted by Vørn to the UKSIA. For details on how to apply you must contact your flag state fisheries authority directly. Where an application is approved, the UKSIA will issue a foreign vessel licence directly to the vessel owner by email. If any of the details in the licence you receive are incorrect, you should inform your flag state fisheries authority immediately.

A list of Faroese vessels issued foreign vessel licences can be found in our approved Faroese vessels section.

Your foreign vessel licence is subject to licence conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them. You can find the conditions in our approved Faroese vessels section.

Access to UK and EU 6-12nm waters

Under Annex 38 to the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the ‘TCA’), during the adjustment period the UK and EU have rights of access for fishing in specific parts of each other’s waters between 6 and 12 nautical miles from baselines in ICES divisions 4c and 7d-g for qualifying vessels. Access is to fish in the zones and for the species specified in the table below. A qualifying vessel is one that fished for those species in the appropriate zone, in at least 4 of the 5 years between 2012 and 2016, or its direct replacement.

Access to UK waters for EU vessels

Evidence of qualification must include positional data showing fishing activity in the relevant UK 6-12nm zone with corresponding catch data recording catches of any of the permitted species for that zone (see table below). The catch data must be provided for the same date/time period as the positional data. This evidence must be provided for at least one day in each of four years out the five years between 2012 and 2016.

The UK will consider a range of evidence sources in its decision as to whether a vessel is a qualifying vessel:

Positional data

For vessels equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) this type of data must be provided showing fishing activity within the relevant zone in all four years.

Vessels under-12 metres in overall length that were not equipped with VMS during the period but had an automatic identification system (AIS) installed must provide AIS data where VMS is not available.

Vessels under-12 metres which were not equipped with VMS or AIS throughout the period must provide chartplotter data clearly demonstrating the date/position/speed of the vessel, where VMS and AIS data are not available.

Where available, official sightings data at a position defined by latitude and longitude of fishing activity within the relevant zone of UK 6-12nm waters will also be considered.

All under-12m vessels must provide positional data (VMS, AIS, chartplotter or official sightings) for at least two out of the required four years. For the remaining years they must provide alternative evidence (see next section).

Alternative evidence

Vessels under-12 metres in overall length which do not have VMS, AIS or chartplotter or offical sightings data may provide alternative evidence of fishing activity within the relevant area, for up to two out of the required four years. This may be officially recognised scientific survey data such as Valpena data for French vessels (but only in relation to Valpena rectangles of which at least 50% is in the relevant zone of UK waters) or equally reliable and specific scientific survey data for vessels from other EU member States.

Again, this alternative evidence must correspond to the same date/time period as the catch data.

Where positional data is available which contradicts the alternative evidence supplied, that data will take precedence over the alternative evidence.

Catch data

Catch data must be provided from statutory returns including logbooks or, where appropriate, sales note data.

The catch data must record the permitted species for the relevant zone as indicated in the table below.

Catch data cannot be considered as evidence of qualifying activity on its own. For example, catch data recorded by ICES rectangle must be supported with positional data indicating that the catching activity was specifically carried out within that part of the ICES rectangle in the relevant zone of UK 6-12nm waters (see previous sections on positional data and alternative evidence).

Direct Replacements

Annex 38 of the TCA states that access to the relevant part of the UK and EU 6-12nm zone is granted for qualifying vessels, which includes direct replacements of the original qualifying vessels. The UK’s approach to licensing direct replacement vessels is based on ensuring that a replacement vessel is the same or similar to the original qualifying vessel it is replacing. This approach maintains the stability of the fisheries and also provides a limited but necessary degree of flexibility, while ensuring that no additional capacity is added to the fisheries beyond the level in place during the reference period 2012-2016.

The principles for the UK’s approach to direct replacements are outlined below:

  1. A global ceiling on vessel numbers, gross tonnage (GT) and engine power (kW) is established for each relevant member state of the EU, based on the qualifying vessels as at the end of the reference period (2012-2016). Replacements will not be authorised if they result in the ceiling being exceeded, even if they are within the limits on individual increases set out below.
  2. Replacements are made on a one for one basis.
  3. Replacements may only be made once a year, except in exceptional circumstances.
  4. A replacement vessel may only increase in capacity by up to 10% in kW and 20% in GT compared to the original qualifying vessel it is replacing.
  5. Any increase in kW or GT on replacement is always assessed by reference to the original qualifying vessel, not a previous replacement vessel.
  6. The replacement vessel must be of the same metier (gear type) as the original qualifying vessel. The metier groups are:
  • Static/passive gear.
  • Trawlers.
  • Dredgers
  • Demersal seine-netters.

There are two exceptions to principles four and six above:

a) Small vessels: where both the original qualifying vessel and the replacement vessel are under 12 metres in length and do not exceed 221kW, the vessels are not required to be of the same metier (gear type) and the restrictions on individual capacity increases do not apply.

b) Vessels replaced during the reference period or between 2017 and 2020 (i.e. before the TCA first applied): if the original qualifying vessel and the replacement vessel have a proven ownership link, or a proven direct capacity link stated in a “permis de mise en exploitation” (PME) for French vessels, a greater individual capacity increase of up to 40% in kW and 70% in GT is permitted. This is only permitted once and will not apply to any subsequent replacement of the qualifying vessel.

Licensing

Applications with supporting evidence for qualifying vessels are submitted to the UKSIA by the European Commission on behalf of a vessel’s flag member state.

The UK will assess applications and, in addition to the evidence provided, may use additional data sources including commercially available data in its evaluation. This includes AIS data which is commercially available.

EU vessel owners must direct enquiries regarding their applications and evidence to their national fisheries authority.

Table of permitted zones and species:

Vessels flying the flag of Belgium

Sea area of United Kingdom waters between 6 and 12 nautical miles of the baselines in ICES areas 4c and 7d-g Permitted Species*
An area between: (i) a line drawn due north from Cromer lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn due east from North Foreland lighthouse. Demersal
An area between: (i) a line drawn due east from North Foreland lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn due south from Dungeness New lighthouse. Herring Demersal
an area between: (i) a line drawn due south from Dungeness New lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn due south from Selsey Bill. Demersal
an area between: (i) a line drawn south-east from Straight Point lighthouse and (ii) the northernmost boundary of ICES area 7g (Latitude 52°N) Demersal
* “demersal” means all sea fish except salmon, migratory trout, mackerel, clupeoid fishes, sand eels, Norway pout, smelts, eels, great weevers, crustaceans and molluscs (other than squids).

Vessels flying the flag of France

Sea area of United Kingdom waters between 6 and 12 nautical miles of the baselines in ICES areas 4c and 7d-g Permitted Species*
an area between: (i) a line drawn due east from Lowestoft lighthouse and (ii) longitude 2 degrees 56 minutes W; All descriptions of sea fish
an area between: (i) longitude 2 degrees 56 minutes W and (ii) a line drawn due south from Eddystone lighthouse; Demersal
an area between: (i) a line drawn due south from Eddystone lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn south-west from Longships lighthouse; Demersal Lobster Crawfish scallops
an area between: (i) a line drawn south-west from Longships lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn north-west from Hartland Point lighthouse. Demersal Lobster Crawfish
Such part of the area within 12 miles of the baselines adjacent to Lundy Island, but outside 6 miles from all baselines, as lies to the north and east of a line drawn north-west from Hartland Point lighthouse. Demersal
Such part of the area within 12 miles, but outside 6 miles, from the baselines and between: (i) a line drawn north west from Hartland Point lighthouse and (ii) the northernmost boundary of ICES area 7g (Latitude 52°N) as lies outside 12 miles from the baselines adjacent to Lundy Island. Demersal
* “demersal” means all sea fish except salmon, migratory trout, mackerel, clupeoid fishes, sand eels, Norway pout, smelts, eels, great weevers, crustaceans and molluscs (other than squids).

Vessels flying the flag of Federal Republic of Germany

Sea area of United Kingdom waters between 6 and 12 nautical miles of the baselines in ICES areas 4c and 7d-g Permitted Species
an area between: an area between: (i) a line drawn due east from North Foreland lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn due south from Dungeness New lighthouse. Herring

Vessels flying the flag of the Netherlands

Sea area of United Kingdom waters between 6 and 12 nautical miles of the baselines in ICES areas 4c and 7d-g Permitted Species
an area between: (i) a line drawn due east from North Foreland lighthouse and (ii) a line drawn due south from Dungeness New lighthouse. Herring

Access to Northern Ireland 0-6nm

Republic of Ireland vessels are only permitted to access waters within 0 and 6 nautical miles of the territorial sea adjacent to Northern Ireland if expressly authorised at Part 1 section 3 of their UK foreign vessel licence.

Access to EU waters for UK vessels

Member State European Union waters within 6 and 12 nautical miles from baselines of the coastal states of: Permitted Species*
France Belgian/French frontier to Cap d’Alprech west (50° 42 30” N — 1° 33’ 30” E) All Species
Netherlands Texel south point, west to the to the northernmost border of ICES 4c (line of latitude 53°30’N) Demersal
Ireland Mine Head south to Hook Point Demersal Herring Mackerel
Ireland Hook Point to the northernmost border of ICES 7g (line of latitude 52°N) Demersal Herring Mackerel Nephrops Scallops
* “demersal” means all sea fish except salmon, migratory trout, mackerel, clupeoid fishes, sand eels, Norway pout, smelts, eels, great weevers, crustaceans and molluscs (other than squids).

The following maps are available showing the areas of European Union waters within 6 and 12 nautical miles to which qualifying vessels have access:

EU Waters UK access EU Waters ROI UK Access

If you wish to apply for a licence to access EU waters within 6-12nm please complete the application form below and submit it to the uksia@marinemanagement.org.uk with your supporting evidence.

Contact the SIA

You can reach the SIA via telephone on 0208 026 5062 or email UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk with your name, telephone number, vessel name and PLN number and a brief outline of your enquiry and a member of the team will call you back as soon as possible.

Approved UK Vessels

External waters licences are issued by email for access to EU, Norwegian, Faroe Islands and Regional Fisheries Management Organisation waters in 2022. Before fishing in any external waters you must check that you are on the list of approved vessels and in receipt of your external waters licence.

If your vessel is on the list but you have not received your licence contact the UKSIA immediately. If your vessel does not appear on this list, or you wish to apply for an external waters licence, please contact the SIA using the details above.

It is the responsibility of the licence holder and vessel master to ensure they are familiar with the conditions set out in your fishing vessel licence. Please ensure that you do not fish outside of the times permitted by your licence. Validity dates can be found at part 1 section 3 of the licence issued to you.

2022 UK Vessel List for External Waters

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Approved Norwegian Vessels

Below is the list of Norwegian vessels for which a foreign vessel licence has been issued for UK waters in respect of access to the UK EEZ (12-200nm limit), with validity as indicated in the relevant columns. This list is also maintained and published on behalf of Scottish Ministers for the purposes of section 44 of the Fisheries Act 2020.

The foreign vessel licence conditions for Norwegian vessels and most recent notification of variation that applies to these licences are also available below.

2022 - Norway Vessel List for UK waters

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Approved EU Vessels

UK Foreign Vessel Licences for access to UK waters in 2022 have been issued by email to EU vessel owners and, where notified, copied to vessel operators for the vessels in the 2022 – EU Vessel list for UK waters below. Before fishing in UK waters you must check that you are on the list of approved vessels and in receipt of your external waters licence. You must contact your flag state fisheries authority if you have not received your licence or your vessel is not on the 2022 list.

Below is the list of EU vessels for which a foreign vessel licence has been issued for UK waters in respect of access to UK EEZ (12-200nm limit), UK 6-12nm (ICES 4c, 7d-g) and Northern Ireland 0-6nm under the Voisinage arrangements, with validity as indicated in the relevant columns. This list is also maintained and published on behalf of Scottish Ministers for the purposes of section 44 of the Fisheries Act 2020. The Foreign vessel licence conditions and most recent notification of variation that applies to these licences are also available below.”

2022 - EU vessel list for UK waters

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UK Foreign Vessel Licence (EU Vessels) Conditions variation 1: 02 May 2022

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Approved Faroese Vessels

Below is the list of Faroese vessels for which a foreign vessel licence has been issued for UK waters in respect of access to the UK EEZ (12-200nm limit), with validity as indicated in the relevant columns.

This list is also maintained and published on behalf of Scottish Ministers for the purposes of section 44 of the Fisheries Act 2020. The Foreign vessel licence conditions and most recent notification of variation that applies to these licences are also available below

2022: Faroese vessel list

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UK Foreign Vessel Licence (FRO Vessels) Conditions 2022

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UK Foreign Vessel Licence (FRO Vessels) Variation 2: 16 September 2022

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Crown Dependencies

Under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) the Crown Dependencies of the Bailiwick of Guernsey (Guernsey, Alderney and Sark), the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Isle of Man and the EU have granted reciprocal access to relevant territorial seas reflecting the actual extent and nature of fishing activity that it can be demonstrated was carried out during the period beginning on 1 February 2017 and ending on 31 January 2020 by qualifying vessels and under the former London Fisheries Convention and the Granville Bay Agreement.

The relevant zones of the London Fisheries Convention are below. The relevant areas of the Granville Bay Agreement can be found here.

Member State European Union waters within 6 and 12 nautical miles from baselines of the coastal states of: Permitted Species*
France Belgian/French frontier to Cap d’Alprech west (50° 42 30” N — 1° 33’ 30” E) All Species
Netherlands Texel south point, west to the to the northernmost border of ICES 4c (line of latitude 53°30’N) Demersal
Ireland Mine Head south to Hook Point Demersal Herring Mackerel
Ireland Hook Point to the northernmost border of ICES 7g (line of latitude 52°N) Demersal Herring Mackerel Nephrops Scallops

A qualifying vessel is any vessel which fished in the territorial sea adjacent to that territory or that Member State on more than 10 days in any 12 -month period ending on 31 January in the reference period above. Replacement vessels can be granted within the extent and nature parameters.

The Crown Dependencies and the EU are in the process of implementing these access arrangements.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey have introduced temporary access arrangements to their waters at the request of the European Commission while evidence of fishing during the reference period in line with the TCA is collated and reviewed. These temporary arrangements are without prejudice to the right to limit access in accordance with the TCA.

Crown Dependencies territorial seas

The Crown Dependencies are responsible for authorisation and licensing of fishing vessels within their waters. Applications for EU vessels to fish in Crown Dependencies waters are submitted by the European Commission to the UKSIA on behalf of EU Member States. The UK SIA operates as a single point of contact between the Crown Dependencies and the European Commission for the purposes of exchanging information for licensing and authorisations.

Applications are forwarded to the relevant Crown Dependency and where an application is approved, that Crown Dependency will issue an EU vessel licence directly to the vessel owner by email. Some Crown Dependencies charge a fee for fishing vessel licences. If any of the details in the licence you receive are incorrect, you should inform your flag state fisheries authority immediately.

Guernsey

The EU vessels listed below are licensed by the Bailiwick of Guernsey to fish in the relevant waters of the Bailiwick (in line with the TCA criteria).

These licences are subject to licence conditions which can be found on the Government of Guernsey’s website

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them.

Further details and applicable legislation are available at https://www.gov.gg/fishing.

Jersey

The EU vessels listed below are licensed by the Government of Jersey to fish in the relevant Jersey waters (in line with the TCA criteria).

Jersey’s EU vessel licences are subject to licence conditions which can be found on the Government of Jersey website These conditions apply equally to full and temporary licences.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of the licence conditions and any variations made to them.

2022 - EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access

The EU vessels on the following list are authorised to conduct fishing activities in Jersey waters under a temporary licence.

EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access – Temporary Licence

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All other EU vessels previously listed under agreed transitional arrangements until 31 January 2022, may no longer conduct fishing activities in Jersey waters after this date.

Isle of Man

Information on foreign vessel licensing in Isle of Man territorial waters can be found here

EU 6-12nm waters

Fishing by Crown Dependencies vessels in EU 6-12nm waters is subject to authorisation by the European Commission and requires a valid UK external licence issued by the UKSIA.

If you wish to apply for a licence to access EU Member States waters within 6-12nm please approach the relevant Crown Dependency.

In the case of Jersey vessels, this may permit access to French 3-12nm waters formerly covered in the Bay of Granville Agreement.

Devolved Administrations

The UK fisheries authorities (Marine Scotland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Welsh Government and the Marine Management Organisation) remain responsible for the administration and management of UK vessel licensing within the UK EEZ.

Marine Management Organisation

Website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understand-your-fishing-vessel-licence Phone: 0300 123 1032

Marine Scotland

Website: https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-licensing Phone: 0300 244 4000

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

Website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/fisheries/fishing-vessel-licensing

Welsh Government

Website: https://gov.wales/sea-fisheries

Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO)

Compliance and legislation

At 11pm on 31 December 2020 the majority of European Union fisheries legislation was retained as UK law and continues to apply to UK fishing vessels and foreign vessels fishing in UK waters (where appropriate). At the same time relevant national fisheries legislation also became applicable to foreign vessels. Fisheries is a devolved matter in the UK and alongside national legislation and retained EU law there are specific regulations that apply in English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish waters. Links to the legislation are below:

The official website for all UK regulations is https://www.legislation.gov.uk/

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) publishes a non-exhaustive list of fisheries legislation called the ‘Blue Book’.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-regulations-the-blue-book

Guidance and legislation applicable in Scottish waters can be found at the following links:
https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-compliance/
https://www.gov.scot/publications/marine-and-fisheries-compliance-legislation/

Northern Ireland legislation applicable to non-UK vessels fishing in NI waters https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-legislation-applicable-non-uk-vessels-fishing-ni-waters

Published 31 December 2020
Last updated 1416 December 2022 + show all updates
  1. Norway Vessel List for UK waters - update 16/12

  2. EU & UK update

  3. Application for External Waters Licence Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO - update

  4. As of 00:01 hours on 10 December 2022 UK vessels will no longer be authorised to fish in in the Faroes Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ

  5. Update 02/12

  6. EU vessel list for UK waters - update 30/11

  7. Application for External Waters Licence Norway & Svalbard - update

  8. EU & UK update 29/11

  9. EU update

  10. UK & EU vessel list update

  11. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  12. EU & UK update

  13. EU vessel list for UK waters 21/11 update

  14. EU vessel list for UK waters - updated

  15. EU & UK Vessel list update

  16. EU vessel list for UK waters - update!

  17. EU update

  18. EU update

  19. EU update

  20. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  21. Eu update

  22. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  23. EU & NOR update

  24. UK & EU vessel list update

  25. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  26. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update!

  27. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access - update

  28. EU & UK vessel update

  29. EU, UK and Norway vessel list update

  30. EU & UK Vessel list update

  31. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  32. EU & UK Vessel list update

  33. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  34. EU vessel list for UK waters - Update

  35. EU and UK Vessel list update

  36. 2022 UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  37. EU Vessel list update & updated conditions

  38. EU vessel list for UK waters - Update

  39. EU, UK and Norway Vessel list updates

  40. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  41. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  42. UK Vessel List

  43. EU, UK, Norway and Faroese vessel list update

  44. EU & UK Vessel List update

  45. UK, EU and Norway vessel list update

  46. UK Vessel List for External Waters UPDATE

  47. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  48. EU vessel list for UK waters and UK vessel list for external waters updated.

  49. UK vessel list for external waters and EU vessel list for UK waters have been updated.

  50. UK vessel list for external waters updated

  51. EU vessel list for UK waters and UK vessel list for external waters updated.

  52. EU vessel lists for Jersey and UK waters updated.

  53. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  54. EU & UK Vessel list update

  55. EU vessel list for UK water & EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Acces

  56. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  57. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  58. UK Foreign Vessel Licence Variation update

  59. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  60. 14 September update

  61. EU & NOR update

  62. 2022 - EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access - update

  63. EU & UK Vessel list update

  64. Vessel list update

  65. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  66. EU & UK vessel list update

  67. UK & EU Vessel list update

  68. Vessel list update for UK and EU

  69. UK Vessel List for External Waters update

  70. UK Vessel list for External Waters updated

  71. EU Vessel list update

  72. EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access - Update

  73. UK Vessel list update

  74. 26 August update

  75. 25 August 2022 update

  76. EU & UK update

  77. EU & UK update

  78. UK Vessel update

  79. UK Vessel list update

  80. UK Vessel list update

  81. EU update

  82. UK Vessel update

  83. UK & NOR vessel list update

  84. EU update

  85. UK & NOR Update

  86. UK Vessel update

  87. EU & NOR vessel list update

  88. UK Foreign Vessel Licence (EU Vessels) Conditions (Variations) - update

  89. UK vessel list update

  90. EU update

  91. UK, FRO and EU vessel update

  92. UK update

  93. UK update

  94. EU vessel list

  95. EU Vessel list update

  96. EU Vessel List update

  97. Vessel list update

  98. Eu vessel list update

  99. UK & EU Vessel list

  100. Vessel list update

  101. Vessel List update

  102. UK Vessel update

  103. UK vessel list update

  104. EU & UK update

  105. EU & UK update

  106. Jersey list update

  107. EU and Norway Vessel List update

  108. Jersey EU Vessel List

  109. EU Vessel List

  110. EU & UK vessel list update

  111. EU vessel list update

  112. UK, EU, FRO vessel list updates

  113. EU & NOR update

  114. Update UK & EU

  115. UK & EU list update

  116. EU update

  117. Norway and EU vessels lists for UK waters updated

  118. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  119. Vessels lists updated as at June 8 2022

  120. UK Vessel List Update

  121. FRO update

  122. UK & EU vessel lists ypdated

  123. uk and faroes vessel lists updated

  124. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  125. NOR & EU vessel lists updated

  126. Page updated with LICENCE TO FISH IN UNITED KINGDOM WATERS – FAROE ISLANDS VESSEL

  127. EU UK & NOR vessel lists updated

  128. UK & FRO updates

  129. Page updated with Faroese vessel list

  130. Page updated with UK, EU & Norway vessel lists

  131. EU and Norway update

  132. UK Vessel List

  133. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  134. Norway Vessel List update for UK Waters

  135. EU Update

  136. EU vessel list updated

  137. EU UK & NOR vessel lists updated

  138. UK & EU vessel lists updated

  139. page updated with UK Foreign Vessel Licence Conditions (2022)

  140. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  141. EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access – Temporary Licence - updated

  142. EU vessel list updated

  143. UK & EU vessel lists updated

  144. EU & UK lists updated

  145. UK and EU vessel lists updated

  146. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  147. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  148. UK update

  149. EU & UK Update

  150. UK & EU update

  151. UK Vessel Update

  152. EU Update

  153. EU & UK lists updated

  154. Lic Conditions

  155. EU Vessel list updated

  156. UK list for external waters updated

  157. Norway and UK vessel lists updated

  158. UK Foreign vessel licence (EU Vessels) Conditions 2022 document updated

  159. EU vessel list updated

  160. Spreadsheets updated

  161. UK Vessel list update

  162. UK Vessel list update

  163. UK Vessel List

  164. Updates 09/03

  165. EU & UK Vessel lists

  166. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  167. Vessel lists updated

  168. External & Jersey access

  169. UK & EU

  170. UK & NOR Update

  171. UK & EU List

  172. EU Vessel list for UK Water

  173. NOR updates

  174. RFMO update

  175. SIA Norway form

  176. UK Vessel List update

  177. UK Vessel List update

  178. EU list for UK Waters

  179. EU vessel list updated

  180. UK list updated

  181. Page updated with EU Vessel List of TCA licences for Guernsey Waters Access

  182. UK & EU vessel lists updated

  183. EU & UK lists updated

  184. UK & Norway vessel list

  185. UK list updated

  186. Uk and Norway lists updated

  187. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  188. UK & Norway lists updated

  189. Jersey and Guernsey updates

  190. UK and EU vessel lists updated

  191. spreadsheets updated for EU & UK

  192. EU List update

  193. UK List update

  194. EU vessel list updated

  195. EU & UK lists updated

  196. Vessel lists updated

  197. EU & UK lists updated

  198. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  199. EU list updated

  200. Norway Vessel List

  201. UK VL update

  202. EU & UK updates

  203. UK & EU sheets updated

  204. EU & UK update

  205. EU List

  206. 10 update

  207. EU & UK lists

  208. Vessel list update

  209. EU Vessel list update

  210. 2022 update

  211. Updates to Guernsey licences

  212. EU vessel list for Jersey waters updated

  213. 2022 UK vessel list for EU waters published

  214. 2022 Vessel list

  215. Details updated following the agreement for access to waters of Norway and the fishery protection zone around Svalbard.

  216. EU vessel list update

  217. UK vessel update

  218. UK Vessel update

  219. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  220. EU and UK vessel lists updated

  221. UK vessel update

  222. EU Vessel list update

  223. EU update

  224. UK Vessel

  225. EU updates

  226. UK Vessel list

  227. EU & UK Vessel update

  228. EU Vessel list update

  229. EU Vessel

  230. EU & UK vessel list update

  231. Jersey update

  232. Jersey update

  233. EU Vessel list

  234. EU List update

  235. Page updated with vessel list - Bailiwick of Guernsey licences

  236. UK & EU updates

  237. UK & EU vessel updates

  238. EU vessel list update

  239. EU Vessel updated (2nd Edition)

  240. EU List updated

  241. UK Vessel list update

  242. EU vessel list for UK waters

  243. EU & UK vessel update

  244. EU water

  245. Jersey update

  246. EU Vessel list update

  247. UK Vessel list 5pm update

  248. UK Vessel update

  249. Updates

  250. UK & EU list update

  251. EU Vessel List Update

  252. UK Vessel List

  253. UK & EU list update

  254. November privacy notice

  255. UK Vessel list update

  256. UK Vessel List

  257. UK vessel list update

  258. Vessel lists for Jersey waters updated.

  259. UK Vessel List

  260. Guernsey update

  261. UK Vessel list update

  262. EU Vessel update

  263. UK Vessel list

  264. EU Vessel List

  265. Privacy notice update

  266. EU list update

  267. EU Vessel list update

  268. Jersey List update

  269. EU Vessel list

  270. EU vessel list for UK waters update

  271. Guernsey update

  272. Form updates

  273. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  274. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  275. EU Vessel update

  276. UK Vessel list update

  277. UK Vessel list update

  278. UK Vessel list update

  279. variation update

  280. Gurnsey update

  281. UK update

  282. 6-13mm update

  283. EU update

  284. UK Vessel update

  285. EU vessel conditions update

  286. EU Vessel list update

  287. EU update

  288. EU update

  289. SIA Application to Fish In European Union update

  290. EU & UK update

  291. EU Vessel list update

  292. UK and EU vessels lists updated

  293. EU list update

  294. EU & UK update

  295. Jersey list update

  296. UK vessel update

  297. UK waters

  298. UK Vessel List updated!

  299. EU Vessel List update

  300. EU and UK update

  301. EU Vessel list update for UK waters

  302. conditions UK update

  303. variation update

  304. Conditions update

  305. External update

  306. EU update

  307. EU update

  308. Vessel List update

  309. Guernsey update

  310. UK List

  311. UK Vessel update

  312. UK List

  313. EU Vessel List

  314. UK list for externals updated

  315. EU vessel list

  316. EU 6-12nm waters update

  317. UK & EU Vessel Lists

  318. European Waters form

  319. EU Vessel Update

  320. EU list update!

  321. UK Vessel List

  322. Eu list update

  323. EU vessel list update

  324. Text update

  325. EU Vessel List update

  326. UK Vessel List update

  327. EU Vessel List update

  328. EU Vessel List

  329. CD update

  330. EU vessel list update

  331. Update RFMO

  332. EU Vessel List

  333. EU Vessel List

  334. EU list update

  335. UK Vessel List

  336. EU list for UK waters

  337. UK Vessel list updated

  338. EU-UK waters vessel list updated.

  339. EU-UK and UK-External waters vessel lists updated.

  340. page updated with UK Vessel List for External Waters

  341. Page updated with EU vessel list for UK waters

  342. UK Vessel List

  343. EU Vessel List updated

  344. UK vessel list update

  345. EU Vessel List update

  346. Vessel List updated

  347. UK Vessel List

  348. EU List

  349. Guernsey Water List updated

  350. UK Vessel list update

  351. UK< EU and Gurnsey list

  352. EU Vessel List

  353. UK list

  354. EU Vessel list updated

  355. UK Vessel List

  356. UK List

  357. EU Vessel List

  358. Jersey List

  359. External Waters licence (EU) Conditions updated

  360. Jersey update

  361. Jersey update

  362. EU vessel list

  363. UK Vessel List update

  364. EU List update

  365. EU update

  366. Update - UK List

  367. Jersey update

  368. EU List

  369. UK List Update

  370. UK & EU Lists updated

  371. UK list updated

  372. EU list updated

  373. UK & EU list update

  374. UK list updated

  375. EU & UK list update

  376. EU list done

  377. UK list updated

  378. UK list update

  379. UK update

  380. EU & UK list update

  381. UK List

  382. EU List update

  383. EU List

  384. EU List

  385. Updated conditions

  386. Document update

  387. EU list update

  388. Vessel List

  389. Document update

  390. EU list update

  391. UK Vessel list

  392. Updated Guernsey text

  393. EU list update

  394. EU List update

  395. 22nd Update UK Vessels for EU Waters

  396. UK Water list updated

  397. UK list updated

  398. EU List update

  399. EU & UK List update

  400. UK Vessel update 12/03

  401. 11/03 updates

  402. Text amends

  403. UK Vessels

  404. UK Vessel List Updated

  405. EU Vessel List update

  406. EU Vessel List

  407. EU Vessel List

  408. EU Vessel List Update

  409. Uk Vessels in EU Wates list updated

  410. SIA update 26/02

  411. EU and UK Water List Update 25/02

  412. Variations added for UK temporary foreign vessel licence (EU vessels) and UK foreign vessel licence (EU vessels) Conditions

  413. UK vessel list for external waters updated and NEAFC vessel licence (UK vessels) conditions added.

  414. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  415. Water Lists

  416. COntent update

  417. EU & UK water lists updated 17/02

  418. EU Vessel List

  419. EU Vessel List Updated 15/2

  420. EU & UK Waters updated

  421. Compliance and legislation section added

  422. EU Vessel List

  423. Uk vessel list for Eu waters

  424. EU Vessel list - update

  425. RFMO Waters title added

  426. If you intend to operate in the waters of an Regional Fisheries Management Organisation RFMO you will need a specific external waters licence in addition to your base domestic licence. Apply using the form below and submit to the SIA. - Added

  427. EU Vessel list for UK Waters - Updated 05/02

  428. UK vessel list for EU waters - updated

  429. Updated EU Vessel List

  430. Docs updated

  431. Updated

  432. Docs Updated

  433. Updated species list for access to Irish waters for UK waters

  434. Page amended to reflect licensing arrangements for 6-12nm zones.

  435. Eu Vessel List and Guernsey Access List updated.

  436. EU Vessel list for UK waters updated

  437. UK Vessel list for EU waters - update

  438. EU Vessel list for UK Waters

  439. EU Vessel list for UK waters - Updated

  440. UK Vessel list - update

  441. SIA Application update V3

  442. EU Vessl list for UK Waters updated

  443. updated application form

  444. EU vessels for UK waters update

  445. EU waters - update

  446. Updated EU vessel list for UK Waters

  447. list of UK vessels allowed to fish in EU waters updated

  448. UK vessels list for EU waters updated

  449. Conditions updated

  450. Updated UK vessel list for EU waters

  451. EU vessel list for UK waters update

  452. Jersey & IOM updates

  453. Guernsey added

  454. UK Vessel list for EU Waters - Update

  455. SIA Application to fish in Third Country Waters - Updated

  456. V3 vessel list UK waters

  457. Database update Uk Access

  458. UK water list updated.

  459. EU vessel list updated

  460. UK vessel list for EU waters updated

  461. First published.