These Regulations relate to licences issued in respect of English fishing boats, and fishing boats registered in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, under sections 4 and 4A of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 (c.84), and to notices varying, suspending or revoking such licences. They revoke and replace, in relation to such licences and notices, the Sea Fishing (Licences and Notices) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2813).

They provide for the manner in which such licences are to be granted, varied, suspended or revoked, and for the time when such a grant, variation, suspension or revocation is to take effect.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the public sector is available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/manage/vessel-licensing and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.