Fishing quota - additional allocation from 2024: consultation outcome

Section 1 - Executive Summary

This document provides an analysis of responses and outcome to the ‘Consultation on the allocation of Additional Quota for 2024’. A copy of the consultation can be found at: Fish stocks: allocation of additional quota - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space

The consultation sought views on how Scottish additional quota fishing opportunities is allocated from 2024.

Summary of responses

There were 91 responses to the consultation. Respondents represented a range of stakeholders: those whose living is dependent on fishing, environmental groups, fishermen’s organisations, businesses associated with the industry, interested individuals and a local authority. A range of viewpoints were returned on each of the questions in the consultation document.

Summary of Outcome

Following consideration of responses to the consultation, associated impact assessments, requirements for the distribution of quota as set out in the Fisheries Act 2020^[1]/Joint Fisheries Statement^[2], and other relevant information, the Scottish Government will allocate Additional Quota in the following way:

• Through the Historic Track Record (HTR) of active fishing vessels.
  • From 2025, the track record period will change to a rolling reference period.
• Through special allocations to non-sector vessels with an immediate uplift in the quota retained for the following stocks: North Sea saithe, North East Atlantic mackerel, North Sea cod and West of Scotland cod.
• From 2025, West of Scotland cod will be allocated to sectoral vessels following an application process.
• Retaining the option to allocate quota on an equal basis between eligible vessels resulting from swaps of fishing quotas with other coastal states.

While not intending to introduce the following in the short term, the Scottish Government will additionally:

• Investigate the potential development of Community Quota Initiatives, with this allocation methodology potentially being adopted in future years.
• Explore whether non-compliance with fishing regulations could be used as a basis for withholding access to AQ as part of a body of work to review the penalties system.