Sea fisheries - scientific quota usage: overview

The use of scientific quota (SQ) within the UK is permitted through assimilated (formerly retained EU) law: Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 (Article 33, Paragraph 6), which states that:

“Catches taken in the framework of scientific research which are marketed and sold ... shall be counted against the quota applicable to the United Kingdom insofar as they exceed 2% of the quotas concerned.”

Within the UK, the Scottish Government has devolved authority for the management of Scotland’s use of SQ.

The 2% limit for SQ is a ceiling, not a target, and uses of this quota must be well justified. When considering proposals for use of SQ, decisions taken by the Marine Directorate will be informed by a number of factors and questions including (but not limited to) those listed below.

• does the work deliver on key priorities?
• is the proposed work expected to be an effective and efficient way of obtaining the information needed?
• is the work expected to comply with relevant regulations for the area(s) indicated?
• is the Marine Directorate resource required proportionate to the expected benefits of the work? Has the work been factored into Marine Directorate business planning?
• is the SQ proposed for the work available for the year(s) indicated?
• is the proposed compensation appropriate, and commensurate to the work required?
• is the proposed compensation proportionate to the expected benefits of the work?
• will the use of SQ for this work have a negative impact on any planned or unplanned future work?
• is the proposed work the best use of the available SQ?