Reminder of fisheries consultation deadlines

[Maverick Martin]

Dear Stakeholder,

 

We'd like to remind you that two marine fisheries consultations close on 31 March 2015.

The consultations are:

 

Implementation of the demersal landing obligation (discard ban)

 

The demersal discard ban does not affect all demersal species in 2016. It will be phased in gradually over three years starting in 2016, with full implementation by 2019; and it will only affect quota species. This consultation asks which fisheries the ban should apply to in 2016 and how best to use the flexibilities secured, such as quota  uplifts and specific  exemptions to the ban.

 

We've held meetings around the coast to discuss the landing obligation with some of you who will be directly affected. If you weren't able to attend one of those meetings, you can contact your local Marine Management Organisation (MMO) officers who may be able to answer some of your questions.

 

We'll be feeding the views we've heard at the meetings and your consultation responses into negotiations with other European Member States to agree discard plans for our shared fisheries.

 

You can find the consultation here.

 

If you haven't already responded to this consultation, please ensure your views are heard and send your response:

 

- online: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/fisheries/demersal-landing-obligation-in-england

 

- by email: cfp.consultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk

 

- or by post: CFP Reform Implementation Team, Sea Fisheries & Conservation Division, Defra, Area 8A, 9 Millbank, c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR

 

Reducing unused licences (latent capacity) in the English 10 metre and under fishing sector

 

This consultation seeks views on proposals to reduce latent capacity within the English 10 metre and under fishing fleet for both quota species and shellfish. We're aiming to provide more certainty on catch limits for active vessels in the 10 metre pool. The proposals apply to English registered vessels, which currently have access to the under 10 metre fishing quota pool managed by the MMO or are members of a Producer Organisation. It also applies to vessels which have shellfish entitlements.

 

You can find the consultation here.

 

Please respond to this consultation:

 

- by email: fisheriesreform@defra.gsi.gov.uk

 

- or by post: Domestic Reform Team, Sustainable Fisheries & Marine Planning Division, Defra, Area 8A, 9 Millbank, c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR

 

We look forward to receiving your responses to our consultations.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Russ Greenwood

 

Marine and Fisheries Directorate