MMO issue over 2200 fishing vessel licences following UK and EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement New fishing licences explained 1 January 2021 Following the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK, new fishing licences were issued on New Year’s Eve 2020, ensuring minimal disruption to fishing at the end of the transition period from the EU. The MMO and other UK fishing administrations issued amended licences for UK vessels, allowing them access to fish in all UK waters. To fish in other countries’ waters, a separate external waters licence is required. The Agreement allowed the UK Single Issuing Authority (UK SIA) and the EU equivalent body to issue licences enabling UK and EU vessels to fish in each other’s waters between the 12 – 200 nautical mile limits.