The register will also improve fisheries management by helping the fishing industry to make better use of its quota, which is a publically owned resource.
FQA units are the main means by which fishing quota is allocated amongst the UK fishing industry. EU countries receive a share of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for each quota fish stock, and within the UK these are largely distributed into what are known as FQA holdings. Each FQA gives the holder access to a share of the quota for particular fish stocks.
The register was produced between all the UK fisheries administrations, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: “The Fixed Quota Allocation provides greater transparency for anyone with an interest in our fishing industry by allowing them to see who has access to the UK’s fishing quota. This will also improve the management of our fisheries by allowing the fishing industry to make better use of its quota.”
Kevin Williamson, Head of Statistics and Fisheries Management, for the Marine Management Organisation said: “This increased transparency on who holds access to UK quotas is an important step forward both for the fishing industry and for others with an interest in how quotas are managed in the UK.”
The register can be found here: https://www.fqaregister.service.gov.uk/
