The UK Marine and Fisheries Agency is to hold a random draw to allocate an extra 18 tonnes of east Channel, V11d, cod quota to the south coast 10 metre and under inshore fleet.
The names of eligible vessels will be entered into the draw and the successful 36 will each be entitled to land 500kg of cod from 1 December to the end of the year.
There is not enough extra quota to re-open the fishery to all vessels - even for a limited time - and the final random selection process is to make it fair to all. To re-open to all vessels would risk an overfish at a UK level.
To be eligible vessels for the draw vessels should have landed at least 250kg of East Channel V11d cod in any of the years 2007, 2008, 2009. The MFA is using the 250kg figure as an indication that these vessels had an active interest in the fishery.
Only one lot of fish is available per person per vessel. So if someone owns more than one boat, only one boat can be entered for the scheme. Likewise, if a boat has more than one owner only one application will be accepted on behalf of the joint owners.
The quota is being made available under the current leasing scheme arrangements, but no charge will be made for the additional quota.
Applications for the draw are invited now and that list will be closed on Thursday 26 November.
The draw will take place on Friday 27 November.
To apply for the draw vessel owners should contact Damian Marlee - tel: 020 7979 8511, email: damian.marlee@mfa.gsi.gov.uk or fax: 020 7238 6905
