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Defra has confirmed a package of changes to marine licensing in England intended to simplify consent for lower-risk activities, support nature recovery and put the Marine Management Organisation’s licensing service on a sustainable financial footing. The government response, published on 7 October, follows a ten-week consultation that closed in August 2025 and drew 146 responses from industry, academia, local government, environmental groups, fishing organisations and public bodies. Several proposals were amended in light of what respondents said.

Simpler routes for lower-risk work

A number of activities move out of the standard licensing process. Investigations for unexploded ordnance and the deployment of tethered scientific instruments become self-service activities, with conditions to manage navigational risk. Removal of abandoned vessels and firework displays at sea will also use self-service licences rather than the exemptions first proposed, after respondents raised environmental concerns. Vessel removal will be open to local planning authorities, statutory harbour authorities, the Environment Agency and those acting on their behalf.

New exemptions will cover replacement eco moorings designed to keep the connecting rope or chain clear of the seabed, which 68 per cent of respondents supported, many citing benefits for habitat recovery, and maintenance carried out on top of bridges. Protections in Highly Protected Marine Areas are strengthened, with a number of exemptions no longer applying there. Seismic airguns will need a standard licence, and geophysical survey operators must submit noise data to the Marine Noise Registry to improve understanding of underwater noise.

Fees adjusted after feedback

The MMO’s hourly rate for standard and complex applications will rise from £122 to £155, the first change since 2018, and will then track inflation. Defra says in its response that the increase reduces the taxpayer subsidy for licensing and that 82 per cent of the new rate goes directly to licensing work. The rate for variations, post-consent monitoring and inspections rises from £94 to £155; law firm Ashfords has noted that variations make up around 40 per cent of licence determinations.

Defra moved on several points raised by respondents. A proposal to place all projects over five hectares in the highest fee band was dropped. The dredge disposal levy rises to 3p a tonne, but the annual cap will be raised to £60,000 rather than removed, following representations from ports. Fee bands will be reviewed annually. Of all consultation respondents, 16 per cent supported the new hourly rate and 40 per cent opposed it, with many linking their view to service performance.

Service improvements and next steps

The MMO is replacing its legacy case management system through the marine planning and licensing programme, with upgrades released in stages to March 2028 and designed around user research. A new performance indicator for band 2 and band 3 applications is being introduced, and Defra is working with its arm’s length bodies to review how licensing affects marine restoration projects. The proposed exemption for coastal flood defence works will not proceed for now, and Defra will develop it further with local planning authorities and advisers. Secondary legislation is expected later in 2026, and Cefas and the MMO will publish a revised disposal site monitoring plan before the levy changes take effect in early 2027.

Sources:

• Defra: Marine licences, changes to fees, exemptions and self-service licences, summary of responses and government response
• Ashfords: Proposed increases in marine licensing fees, what do applicants need to know?
• Ashfords: Proposed marine licensing changes, the positives and the negatives for statutory harbour authorities