Defra's aim was to identify fish stocks for which some of the UK's quota is held but consistently unused by one part of the fleet, and could be caught by another part of the fleet.
Defra is carrying out this exercise before final quota allocations for 2012 so that producer organisations can make business decisions for the year. They intend this to be a permanent realignment of quota, and therefore of the FQAs associated with that quota.
Defra has decided to put back the realignment of FQAs until 2013 and carry out only a realignment of quota in 2012. Realignment will only involve English licensees that are members of English producer organisations.
Defra will consider any appeals with evidence against the proposed realignment figures for the producer organisations that are submitted by Friday 9 March 2012 either in writing or by email to:
Defra Domestic Fisheries Management Reform Team
Area 2C
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Email: fisheriesreform@defra.gsi.gov.uk
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) says it will continue to engage with all parts of industry as well as working closely with Defra on this issue to source the correct FQA data and ensure it is reflected correctly in the Under 10 metre pool.
Defra has confirmed that eight stocks are in scope for realignment:
- VIId sole
- VIIa plaice
- VIId cod
- VIIb-k whiting
- VII pollack
- North Sea nephrops
- North Sea lemon sole and witches
- VIIef herring.
