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.

UK fishing vessel licensing in EU waters 2023

If your vessel had an External Waters fishing licence allowing access to the European Union (EU) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or EU 0-6NM, 6-12NM in 2022, you should now have received your 2023 licence. Please check that your vessel appears in the list of authorised vessels https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia#UK-vessellist please note that the new licence does not become valid until 31 December 2022 AT 23:01.

If you have not received a licence and wish to fish in EU waters 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. We will issue your licence as soon as practicable, this may be early January 2023.

You must not undertake activity in EU 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).

2023 - UK Vessel List for EU Waters

Application for External Waters Licence (European Union EEZ)

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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.

Foreign vessel licensing in UK waters 2023

If your vessel had a Foreign Vessel fishing licence allowing access to the United Kingdom (UK) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) UK 0-6NM or 6-12NM in 2022, you should now have received your 2023 licence. Please check that your vessel appears in the list of authorised vessels https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-single-issuing-authority-uksia#UK-vessellist please note that the new licence does not become valid until 31 December 2022 AT 23:01.

If you have not received a licence and wish to fish in UK waters please contact your fisheries administration.

You must not undertake activity in UK 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://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124601/EU_Vessel_List_for_UK_Waters_20221214.ods

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).

2023 - EU Vessel List for UK Waters

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 2019 December 2022 + show all updates
  1. UK vessel list for EU waters 2023 updated.

  2. 2023 update

  3. Norway Vessel List for UK waters - update 16/12

  4. EU & UK update

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

  6. 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

  7. Update 02/12

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

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

  10. EU & UK update 29/11

  11. EU update

  12. UK & EU vessel list update

  13. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  14. EU & UK update

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

  16. EU vessel list for UK waters - updated

  17. EU & UK Vessel list update

  18. EU vessel list for UK waters - update!

  19. EU update

  20. EU update

  21. EU update

  22. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  23. Eu update

  24. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  25. EU & NOR update

  26. UK & EU vessel list update

  27. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  28. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update!

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

  30. EU & UK vessel update

  31. EU, UK and Norway vessel list update

  32. EU & UK Vessel list update

  33. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  34. EU & UK Vessel list update

  35. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  36. EU vessel list for UK waters - Update

  37. EU and UK Vessel list update

  38. 2022 UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

  39. EU Vessel list update & updated conditions

  40. EU vessel list for UK waters - Update

  41. EU, UK and Norway Vessel list updates

  42. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  43. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  44. UK Vessel List

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

  46. EU & UK Vessel List update

  47. UK, EU and Norway vessel list update

  48. UK Vessel List for External Waters UPDATE

  49. UK Vessel List for External Waters - update

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

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

  52. UK vessel list for external waters updated

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

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

  55. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  56. EU & UK Vessel list update

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

  58. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  59. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  60. UK Foreign Vessel Licence Variation update

  61. EU vessel list for UK waters updated.

  62. 14 September update

  63. EU & NOR update

  64. 2022 - EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access - update

  65. EU & UK Vessel list update

  66. Vessel list update

  67. EU vessel list for UK waters - update

  68. EU & UK vessel list update

  69. UK & EU Vessel list update

  70. Vessel list update for UK and EU

  71. UK Vessel List for External Waters update

  72. UK Vessel list for External Waters updated

  73. EU Vessel list update

  74. EU Vessel List for Jersey Waters Access - Update

  75. UK Vessel list update

  76. 26 August update

  77. 25 August 2022 update

  78. EU & UK update

  79. EU & UK update

  80. UK Vessel update

  81. UK Vessel list update

  82. UK Vessel list update

  83. EU update

  84. UK Vessel update

  85. UK & NOR vessel list update

  86. EU update

  87. UK & NOR Update

  88. UK Vessel update

  89. EU & NOR vessel list update

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

  91. UK vessel list update

  92. EU update

  93. UK, FRO and EU vessel update

  94. UK update

  95. UK update

  96. EU vessel list

  97. EU Vessel list update

  98. EU Vessel List update

  99. Vessel list update

  100. Eu vessel list update

  101. UK & EU Vessel list

  102. Vessel list update

  103. Vessel List update

  104. UK Vessel update

  105. UK vessel list update

  106. EU & UK update

  107. EU & UK update

  108. Jersey list update

  109. EU and Norway Vessel List update

  110. Jersey EU Vessel List

  111. EU Vessel List

  112. EU & UK vessel list update

  113. EU vessel list update

  114. UK, EU, FRO vessel list updates

  115. EU & NOR update

  116. Update UK & EU

  117. UK & EU list update

  118. EU update

  119. Norway and EU vessels lists for UK waters updated

  120. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  121. Vessels lists updated as at June 8 2022

  122. UK Vessel List Update

  123. FRO update

  124. UK & EU vessel lists ypdated

  125. uk and faroes vessel lists updated

  126. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  127. NOR & EU vessel lists updated

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

  129. EU UK & NOR vessel lists updated

  130. UK & FRO updates

  131. Page updated with Faroese vessel list

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

  133. EU and Norway update

  134. UK Vessel List

  135. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  136. Norway Vessel List update for UK Waters

  137. EU Update

  138. EU vessel list updated

  139. EU UK & NOR vessel lists updated

  140. UK & EU vessel lists updated

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

  142. EU & UK vessel lists updated

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

  144. EU vessel list updated

  145. UK & EU vessel lists updated

  146. EU & UK lists updated

  147. UK and EU vessel lists updated

  148. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  149. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  150. UK update

  151. EU & UK Update

  152. UK & EU update

  153. UK Vessel Update

  154. EU Update

  155. EU & UK lists updated

  156. Lic Conditions

  157. EU Vessel list updated

  158. UK list for external waters updated

  159. Norway and UK vessel lists updated

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

  161. EU vessel list updated

  162. Spreadsheets updated

  163. UK Vessel list update

  164. UK Vessel list update

  165. UK Vessel List

  166. Updates 09/03

  167. EU & UK Vessel lists

  168. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  169. Vessel lists updated

  170. External & Jersey access

  171. UK & EU

  172. UK & NOR Update

  173. UK & EU List

  174. EU Vessel list for UK Water

  175. NOR updates

  176. RFMO update

  177. SIA Norway form

  178. UK Vessel List update

  179. UK Vessel List update

  180. EU list for UK Waters

  181. EU vessel list updated

  182. UK list updated

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

  184. UK & EU vessel lists updated

  185. EU & UK lists updated

  186. UK & Norway vessel list

  187. UK list updated

  188. Uk and Norway lists updated

  189. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  190. UK & Norway lists updated

  191. Jersey and Guernsey updates

  192. UK and EU vessel lists updated

  193. spreadsheets updated for EU & UK

  194. EU List update

  195. UK List update

  196. EU vessel list updated

  197. EU & UK lists updated

  198. Vessel lists updated

  199. EU & UK lists updated

  200. EU & UK vessel lists updated

  201. EU list updated

  202. Norway Vessel List

  203. UK VL update

  204. EU & UK updates

  205. UK & EU sheets updated

  206. EU & UK update

  207. EU List

  208. 10 update

  209. EU & UK lists

  210. Vessel list update

  211. EU Vessel list update

  212. 2022 update

  213. Updates to Guernsey licences

  214. EU vessel list for Jersey waters updated

  215. 2022 UK vessel list for EU waters published

  216. 2022 Vessel list

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

  218. EU vessel list update

  219. UK vessel update

  220. UK Vessel update

  221. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  222. EU and UK vessel lists updated

  223. UK vessel update

  224. EU Vessel list update

  225. EU update

  226. UK Vessel

  227. EU updates

  228. UK Vessel list

  229. EU & UK Vessel update

  230. EU Vessel list update

  231. EU Vessel

  232. EU & UK vessel list update

  233. Jersey update

  234. Jersey update

  235. EU Vessel list

  236. EU List update

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

  238. UK & EU updates

  239. UK & EU vessel updates

  240. EU vessel list update

  241. EU Vessel updated (2nd Edition)

  242. EU List updated

  243. UK Vessel list update

  244. EU vessel list for UK waters

  245. EU & UK vessel update

  246. EU water

  247. Jersey update

  248. EU Vessel list update

  249. UK Vessel list 5pm update

  250. UK Vessel update

  251. Updates

  252. UK & EU list update

  253. EU Vessel List Update

  254. UK Vessel List

  255. UK & EU list update

  256. November privacy notice

  257. UK Vessel list update

  258. UK Vessel List

  259. UK vessel list update

  260. Vessel lists for Jersey waters updated.

  261. UK Vessel List

  262. Guernsey update

  263. UK Vessel list update

  264. EU Vessel update

  265. UK Vessel list

  266. EU Vessel List

  267. Privacy notice update

  268. EU list update

  269. EU Vessel list update

  270. Jersey List update

  271. EU Vessel list

  272. EU vessel list for UK waters update

  273. Guernsey update

  274. Form updates

  275. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  276. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  277. EU Vessel update

  278. UK Vessel list update

  279. UK Vessel list update

  280. UK Vessel list update

  281. variation update

  282. Gurnsey update

  283. UK update

  284. 6-13mm update

  285. EU update

  286. UK Vessel update

  287. EU vessel conditions update

  288. EU Vessel list update

  289. EU update

  290. EU update

  291. SIA Application to Fish In European Union update

  292. EU & UK update

  293. EU Vessel list update

  294. UK and EU vessels lists updated

  295. EU list update

  296. EU & UK update

  297. Jersey list update

  298. UK vessel update

  299. UK waters

  300. UK Vessel List updated!

  301. EU Vessel List update

  302. EU and UK update

  303. EU Vessel list update for UK waters

  304. conditions UK update

  305. variation update

  306. Conditions update

  307. External update

  308. EU update

  309. EU update

  310. Vessel List update

  311. Guernsey update

  312. UK List

  313. UK Vessel update

  314. UK List

  315. EU Vessel List

  316. UK list for externals updated

  317. EU vessel list

  318. EU 6-12nm waters update

  319. UK & EU Vessel Lists

  320. European Waters form

  321. EU Vessel Update

  322. EU list update!

  323. UK Vessel List

  324. Eu list update

  325. EU vessel list update

  326. Text update

  327. EU Vessel List update

  328. UK Vessel List update

  329. EU Vessel List update

  330. EU Vessel List

  331. CD update

  332. EU vessel list update

  333. Update RFMO

  334. EU Vessel List

  335. EU Vessel List

  336. EU list update

  337. UK Vessel List

  338. EU list for UK waters

  339. UK Vessel list updated

  340. EU-UK waters vessel list updated.

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

  342. page updated with UK Vessel List for External Waters

  343. Page updated with EU vessel list for UK waters

  344. UK Vessel List

  345. EU Vessel List updated

  346. UK vessel list update

  347. EU Vessel List update

  348. Vessel List updated

  349. UK Vessel List

  350. EU List

  351. Guernsey Water List updated

  352. UK Vessel list update

  353. UK< EU and Gurnsey list

  354. EU Vessel List

  355. UK list

  356. EU Vessel list updated

  357. UK Vessel List

  358. UK List

  359. EU Vessel List

  360. Jersey List

  361. External Waters licence (EU) Conditions updated

  362. Jersey update

  363. Jersey update

  364. EU vessel list

  365. UK Vessel List update

  366. EU List update

  367. EU update

  368. Update - UK List

  369. Jersey update

  370. EU List

  371. UK List Update

  372. UK & EU Lists updated

  373. UK list updated

  374. EU list updated

  375. UK & EU list update

  376. UK list updated

  377. EU & UK list update

  378. EU list done

  379. UK list updated

  380. UK list update

  381. UK update

  382. EU & UK list update

  383. UK List

  384. EU List update

  385. EU List

  386. EU List

  387. Updated conditions

  388. Document update

  389. EU list update

  390. Vessel List

  391. Document update

  392. EU list update

  393. UK Vessel list

  394. Updated Guernsey text

  395. EU list update

  396. EU List update

  397. 22nd Update UK Vessels for EU Waters

  398. UK Water list updated

  399. UK list updated

  400. EU List update

  401. EU & UK List update

  402. UK Vessel update 12/03

  403. 11/03 updates

  404. Text amends

  405. UK Vessels

  406. UK Vessel List Updated

  407. EU Vessel List update

  408. EU Vessel List

  409. EU Vessel List

  410. EU Vessel List Update

  411. Uk Vessels in EU Wates list updated

  412. SIA update 26/02

  413. EU and UK Water List Update 25/02

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

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

  416. EU vessel list for UK waters updated

  417. Water Lists

  418. COntent update

  419. EU & UK water lists updated 17/02

  420. EU Vessel List

  421. EU Vessel List Updated 15/2

  422. EU & UK Waters updated

  423. Compliance and legislation section added

  424. EU Vessel List

  425. Uk vessel list for Eu waters

  426. EU Vessel list - update

  427. RFMO Waters title added

  428. 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

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

  430. UK vessel list for EU waters - updated

  431. Updated EU Vessel List

  432. Docs updated

  433. Updated

  434. Docs Updated

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

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

  437. Eu Vessel List and Guernsey Access List updated.

  438. EU Vessel list for UK waters updated

  439. UK Vessel list for EU waters - update

  440. EU Vessel list for UK Waters

  441. EU Vessel list for UK waters - Updated

  442. UK Vessel list - update

  443. SIA Application update V3

  444. EU Vessl list for UK Waters updated

  445. updated application form

  446. EU vessels for UK waters update

  447. EU waters - update

  448. Updated EU vessel list for UK Waters

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

  450. UK vessels list for EU waters updated

  451. Conditions updated

  452. Updated UK vessel list for EU waters

  453. EU vessel list for UK waters update

  454. Jersey & IOM updates

  455. Guernsey added

  456. UK Vessel list for EU Waters - Update

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

  458. V3 vessel list UK waters

  459. Database update Uk Access

  460. UK water list updated.

  461. EU vessel list updated

  462. UK vessel list for EU waters updated

  463. First published.