Additional quota opportunities for Scottish fleet

Scotland will use its share of additional fishing opportunities to deliver quota to active fishers, expand opportunities for the inshore fleet and help reduce business costs.

Following the outcome of a recent consultation which sought views on different ways of allocating quota for 2021, the Scottish Government has confirmed it will distribute additional quota in two different ways.

Additional quota will be allocated:

• on the basis of historical activity of vessels – to reflect past catches
• to non-sector vessels, who are mainly smaller inshore vessels that typically target shellfish – these inshore vessels have not had the same opportunity to develop a track record of activity

Future arrangements for the distribution of additional quota will be the subject of further consultation later this year. It is anticipated that Scottish quota will be allocated in April.

Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“While the additional fishing opportunities arising from Brexit are significantly lower than what the UK Government promised the industry, we are determined that any opportunity we do have is targeted at the active fishing industry.

“Combined with the continuing difficulties UK vessels face in accessing European markets, alongside ongoing market disruption due to the Coronavirus, the overall effect of leaving the European Union has been profoundly negative for our coastal communities.

“This allocation will provide opportunities for inshore vessels to diversify, and therefore help to spread benefit in families and businesses in our coastal communities.”

Background

The outcome of the consultation is available to view. 

The additional quota is as a result of the UK leaving the EU, and receiving quota over and above the share it received as an EU member state under the Common Fisheries Policy.

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