The names of eligible vessels will be entered into the draw and the successful 36 will each be entitled to land 500 kg of cod from December 1 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 250 kg of East Channel V11d cod in any of the years 2007, 2008, 2009. The MFA is using the 250 kg figure as an indication that these vessels had an active interest in the fishery.
Records show there will be 183 vessels involved, and the MFA is writing directly to owners and informing its port offices of the list.
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 November 26th.
The draw for 36 successful vessel owners and a short reserve list – which will be independently witnessed – will take place on Friday November 27th. Successful vessel owners will be notified by e-mail and fax and will have to confirm by return.
Before starting to fish for their 500 kg of cod winners will have to receive an EU log book and permit letters. Log books can be obtained from local MFA port offices along with advice on completing the and submitting them. Fish must be landed in VIId.
Those not successful will be notified by letter.
The aim is to fairly allocate the entire 18 tonnes of extra V11d cod quota obtained by the MFA.
An MFA spokesman said: “There is not enough quota to open the fishery to all vessels, even for a limited period, because if that was done there would likely be a big influx of fishing effort, the 18 tonnes would be exceeded, and mean a subsequent quota reduction for 2010.
“This scheme is focussed on those who are likely to be able to catch the cod concerned and the final random selection is the fairest way to allocate a decent slice of the quota available.”
To apply for the draw vessel owners should contact:
Damian Marlee
Bt phone: 020 7979 8511
By email: damian.marlee@mfa.gsi.gov.uk
By fax : 020 7238 6905
Those who have already expressed an interest in having access to this additional quota by contacting the Cornish FPO will automatically be entered for the draw if they meet the other conditions set out above.
