The quota cap for under-10 metre fishing vessels was introduced to address an imbalance between the available quota and the increasing number of vessels targeting quota stocks. This cap limited certain vessels to catching no more than 350kg of quota species annually. Its introduction was an effort to manage fish stocks sustainably and align quotas with vessel activity.
Over time, changes in quota availability, particularly following Brexit, altered the situation. The UK’s departure from the EU brought additional fishing quota allocations. As a result, trials were carried out between 2020 and 2022 where the quota cap was temporarily lifted to assess the impact. These trials showed that the restriction was no longer necessary, especially as small under-10 metre vessels were looking to diversify their fishing activities and better utilize the extra quota made available.
In March 2023, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) officially removed the cap for the remainder of the year, allowing all under-10 metre vessels to fish up to monthly limits similar to other vessels in the fleet. The removal aimed to provide economic opportunities for small-scale fishers and support coastal communities that rely heavily on these vessels.
Following this decision the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will permanently remove the cap with effect from 1 January 2025 and continue to review quota uptake by English under 10m fishers, and adjust monthly catch limits accordingly to make sure the quota limits are not exceeded Detail of feedback received. The consultation website can be accessed here.
A total of 34 responses were received, 30 via Citizen Space and 4 via email. Informal responses were also received verbally at face-to-face coastal meetings held during the consultation.
A summary of responses is included in the government response.
