The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking applicants for a Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) scheme for 2020.
The aims of the scheme for 2020 are to:
- Demonstrate how a Fully Documented Fishery can increase compliance with the Landing Obligation.
- Monitor catches of species subject to the Landing Obligation, including species below the minimum conservation reference size and discards.
- Understand the effectiveness of any technical measures introduced in 2020.
- Demonstrate the issues faced by vessels in complying with the landing obligation, and the difficulties it introduces.
In return for participation in this scheme, vessels will be able to access additional quota for North Sea stocks, however, the species and quotas available have not been finalised.
The 2020 scheme will run from July 1st until 31st December 2020.
Run since 2011, FDF schemes, according to the MMO, “have demonstrated the effectiveness of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) in reducing discards and encouraging more selective fishing behaviour.”
The behaviour of vessels fitted with REM has also been compared to vessels fishing in the same areas, using the same gear types, and has shown differences in both catch composition and grading, they say. In addition, REM has proven to be a useful tool for gathering scientific data.
To apply for the 2020 scheme, the vessel must be English-registered, and preferably a member of a Producer Organisation (PO). However, applications will also be considered from vessels in the non-sector.
Where a vessel is new to the scheme, they will have to arrange for a suitable MMO approved REM system to fitted at their own expense. Vessels which wish to apply, must do so by Monday 22nd June 2020.
More information and application forms can be found on the North Sea Fully Documented Fishery (FDF) scheme pages.
If you have any questions, please contact: ukcatchquota@defra.gov.uk
Image: Seafish
Recent Comments