Use of quota to incentivise low impact fishing 2023: report
A report setting out how allocation of fishing quota to Scotland's sectoral and non-sector fishing fleet segments has incentivised the use of fishing techniques associated with a reduced environmental impact for the year 2023.
4. Case Study: Non-sector mackerel
The non-sector fleet segment received a total of 1,565.8 tonnes of mackerel quota as Special Allocations in 2023. As outlined in the Scottish Quota Management Rules, 1000 tonnes of mackerel EQ was reserved for 10 metre and under vessels to target using hooks and lines in ICES area 27.4.a and 27.4.b. A further allocation of 206.5 tonnes (50 tonnes of AQ and 156.5 tonnes from a negotiated transfer of quota from Norway in 2023) added up to a final allocation of 1,206.5 tonnes. 1,212.6 tonnes was landed.
By comparison, 315.8 tonnes of mackerel from the ICES area 27.6 TAC share was reserved for Special Allocations to this fleet segment, but landings of approximately 1 tonne were recorded.
The fleet composition of the inshore 10 metre and under fleet, and the distribution of target stocks underpins this difference. 61% of the 10 metre and under fleet operating hooks and lines is based in Shetland. There is very limited Nephrops fishing in Shetland, so unlike much of in Scotland, the focus is on pelagic and to a lesser extent demersal stocks, as well as non-quota species through the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation. There is close cooperation between the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and the Shetland Fishermens Association that contributes to building a critical mass of participating vessels, reducing barriers to fully exploiting this incentive.
The 10 metre and under fleet on the west of Scotland mainly focused its activity on Nephrops and non-quota species. Fewer vessels operate hooks and lines or other gear that could catch mackerel, and this was reflected in weaker demand in this area.
Over 10 metre non-sector vessels similarly focused on Nephrops and non-quota species. 200 tonnes of mackerel quota from the ICES area 27.4 and 27.6 TACs was made available to this group of vessels as a way to test diversification potential, but there was no uptake.