Marine non licensable activities: guidance, sites and evidence

About marine non licensable activities

These activities can include anchoring, boating, sailing kayaking, kitesurfing, diving and snorkelling. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) considers the effects of marine non licensable activities on protected features in marine protected areas within 12 nautical miles of the English coast.

Find out more about how MMO assesses and manages marine activities in marine protected areas

Fishing is managed separately. Managing fishing in marine protected areas

Find a marine protected area

Use Natural England’s site search for detailed information about inshore MPAs, maps, protected features, conservation advice and condition information. JNCC Marine Protected Area Mapper displays MPA boundaries in all UK and Crown Dependency water.

Current opportunities to take part

MMO is seeking evidence about the impacts of marine recreational activities and anchoring on protected habitats and species in England’s marine protected areas. The evidence will help them inform MMO’s assessment of marine non licensable activities. The call for evidence closes on 25 November 2026

Read the call for evidence and respond

Protected habitats and species

Marine protected areas can protect habitats, species or other features. Information about a protected feature can help explain why particular activities are being reviewed or managed.

Guidance by activity or protected feature

• Seagrass
• Moorings: environmental impacts, consent and marine licensing
• Diving and snorkelling around seagrass and seahorses