New fishing licence conditions requiring larger mesh sizes and more selective fishing gear are set to take effect in UK and EU waters to help rebuild depleted stocks in the Celtic Sea, English Channel and Irish Sea. The Marine Management Organisation said the changes follow an agreement between the UK and the EU on a package of technical fisheries measures.

The conditions were brought in on 1 November and come into force from 26 November, according to the announcement published on 5 November. The agency said it has published guidance explaining the new requirements in the relevant ICES areas.

Sean Douglas, the organisation's Head of Regulatory Assurance, said the regulator aims to support the industry in adapting and urged fishermen targeting the key stocks in those areas to act now to stay compliant. The announcement directs readers to further information on how the changes could affect their fishing operations.