Fish - additional quota allocation 2021: consultation

2. Background on quota allocation

2.1 Existing Quota Allocation System

While a member of the EU and during the transition period, the UK was apportioned quota from the EU at the start of each year. The UK’s share of quota was based on the Common Fisheries Policy’s relative stability key and, for some stocks, quota was gained through Hague Preference^[3].  The quota currently allocated to the UK is apportioned between the UK Fisheries Administrations in line with the Fisheries Concordat^[4] and the UK Quota Management Rules^[5]. Please see Figure 1 below.

The figure below shows the method of allocating quota while the UK was an EU member state and during the transition period (until 31 December 2020).

Infographic Text description

EU as Coastal State allocated quota yearly to Member States

UK allocation = Relative Stability + Hague Preference

Quota is apportioned between the UK Fisheries Administrations primarily in line with FQA holdings on fishing licences

2.2 The Fixed Quota Allocation (FQA) system

The present system of quota allocation is largely based on the FQA system, which has applied in Scotland and across the UK since 1999.  In 1999, FQA units were distributed to commercial fishing licences based on recorded catches between 1994-1996.   

Each year, Scottish Minsters, acting through the Scottish Government directorate Marine Scotland, allocate quota based on the FQA holdings of Scottish licences as at 1 January of that particular year. There are occasions when Marine Scotland does allocate a share of the quota differently, particularly to allow additional opportunities for small scale fishers (e.g. the Scottish under 10 handline mackerel fishery).  However, the majority of quota is allocated based on FQA holdings.  Details of how quota is allocated in Scotland can be found in the Scottish Quota Management Rules^[6].

2.3 Allocating Additional Quota Differently 

When the UK becomes an independent Coastal State, we expect to secure quota in addition to the fixed share received while a member of the EU. As previously set out in our Future of Fisheries Management work, the Scottish Government, in line with other UK Fisheries Administrations, recognises that this Additional Quota is distinct from the fixed share which the UK received while a Member State of the EU.

2.4 Existing Quota Share 

“Existing Quota” means the share of quota received by the UK under the 

Common Fisheries Policy’s relative stability key, plus quota regularly gained due to invocation of Hague Preference.

2.5 Additional Quota

“Additional Quota” means the extra quota the UK secures as an independent Coastal State.  It is defined as anything above the UK’s existing share of quota (see 2.4 above).  

It is important to note that Additional Quota may come from two sources: 

(i) A change to the UK’s permanent share of quota. That is: the share of quota assigned to the UK as an independent Coastal State;

(ii) Gains from transfers of quota to the UK from other Coastal States (for example, transfers of quota from other Coastal States for access to UK waters). These transfers will arise through yearly negotiations, are not permanent and may fluctuate from year to year.

Figure 2 below outlines these three distinct sources of quota which we anticipate receiving for 2021.

Infographic Text description

From 2021 Scotland will recognise three sources of quota

Existing Quota Allocation share UK received while an EU member state

Existing Quota Distributed primarily in line with FQA holdings on fishing licences

Additional Quota Quota arising from permanent shift in quota share as a result of the UK becoming an independent Coastal State

Additional Quota Distribution in 2021 to be decided

Additional Annual Quota Yearly transfers of quota from Coastal States to the UK (for example for access to UK waters)

Additional Annual Quota Distribution in 2021 to be decided

2.6 Maintaining the FQA system for our Existing Quota Share

Marine Scotland’s commitment to the FQA system as the main means of allocating fishing opportunities was reaffirmed in the Future of Fisheries Management Discussion Document published in 2019 (see Section 3 below).  The FQA system has helped provide a degree of economic stability and certainty since its introduction. Marine Scotland does not propose any change to the allocation of Scotland’s Existing Quota share - Existing Quota will continue to be allocated primarily via FQA holdings as per the UK and Scottish Quota Management Rules.