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Licences For Redfish At Iceland
03/02/2001
In 1999, new external waters licences were made available to enable UK vessels to fish for redfish in Icelandic waters. Five vessels took advantage of this opportunity and caught 674 tonnes of redfish, a major improvement on the zero catches made in previous years when this fishery was open. In 2000, seven vessels took the opportunity and caught 820 tonnes.
The UK has a quota of 1,160 tonnes in 2001 for this fishery, which is open from 1 July to 31 December.
Fisheries Departments propose to offer licences to the seven vessels, which took part in the fishery in 2000. This recognises the time and effort deployed by these vessels in developing a difficult fishery and will allow them to build on previous experience. Applications are being invited for the reserve list. Vessels on the reserve list may be offered access to the fishery should any of the seven vessels be unable to take up the opportunity or additional new licences become available.
Licences will only be made available to vessels already holding a UK licence. Applicants will need to satisfy Fisheries Departments that the registered and licensed engine power of their vessel is the maximum continuous or permanently derated engine power. Licences will not be transferable.
Fisheries Departments have issued a consultation letter seeking comments on these proposals, together with applications for fishermen who wish to be considered for a licence. Comments and applications are required by 16 March 2001.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. Copies of the consultation letter can be obtained from Ian Fowler, Sea Fisheries Division, Room 511, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY. (Tel: 0131 244 6466; fax: 0131 244 6288). A copy can also be found on the SERAD Website.
News Release: SE0321/2001
3 Feb 2001