Form

Guidance on completing the UK and EU fishing quota transfer form

Updated 28 September 2023

This guidance explains how to complete the UK and EU quota transfer form.

Please complete the organisation, name and email address sections. The Fisheries Administration (FA) will use these contact details if they need to discuss the proposal with you.

Include any reference number that you want to use for this proposal and insert the date into the relevant box.

Complete the table with all of your proposed exchanges. You can use:

• one form to propose multiple exchanges with multiple other parties
• one row for each transfer that would make up each exchange

For example, if an exchange would see quota in stock A move to the UK and in return quota in stock B would move to the EU, use one row for the inward transfer of stock A and one row for the outward transfer of stock B.

What to enter

Column B

In Column B identify each stock to be transferred. Place the cursor into the first box under the heading stock code. To the right hand side of this box will appear a drop down arrow. If you click on the arrow you will see a list of all stock codes. Select the relevant code for the stock that you are proposing to transfer.

Please note: Proposals which include any of the flex stocks (those that have a * in the stock code) for outward exchange will come under very close scrutiny and may be asked to be removed for the proposal to proceed.

Columns C and D

In Columns C and D record the tonnage of the stock which would be transferred outward or inward. Only one of these boxes needs to be completed on each row. Use multiple rows where multiple stocks would be transferred.

Column E

In Column E record the EU member state that would be involved in the proposed exchange.

Column F

In Column F record the industry body from the EU member state mentioned in Column E that would be involved in the proposed exchange.

Column G

In Column G record all of the UK groups involved in the proposed exchange. For example, if multiple groups have combined quota into one proposal.

Column H

In Column H, using the drop-down options, select if this exchange is being concluded:

1. On behalf of an individual vessel in the sectoral group.
2. By the group on behalf of all vessels in the sectoral group.
3. On behalf of a company which owns or manages vessels in the sectoral group (if 3, state the company name as part of your reply in Column K).

Column I

In Column I provide a justification for the proposed exchange. As part of the review process, a written justification (in Column I) in relation to each proposed transfer is required. In this column you should include:

• planned use of incoming quota
• consequences to your sectoral group and wider industry of not conducting the proposed exchange
• explanation of why the quota is being brought into the UK where there is evident excess held by the UK and why a domestic exchange is not viable

A proposed exchange may not be approved if you do not demonstrate how the proposed exchange is in the broad interests of the UK.

If the justification for the exchange is not deemed strong enough to support the transfer, the proposal will likely be rebuffed. In such instances, an explanation will be provided to the sectoral group and the group may redraw the proposal, and associated submission, and resubmit.

Column J

In Column J provide an explanation for how the ratio of exchanges proposed is the best available and why a more favourable ratio was not achievable. Also explain why the exchange ratio for the proposed transfer may not match or better those achieved in previous rounds or years.

Further consideration

Further consideration will include whether:

Your justification must give the case for proceeding and explain the wider benefit for the UK from this proposed exchange. A proposed exchange may not be accepted if:

• we have less quota available in the UK this year compared to the quantity landed in any of the past 3 years
• UK uptake in the quota to be transferred out is more than 85% in any of the past 3 years
• the transfer could increase choke risks
• the quota to be transferred out was overfished at UK level in any of the past 3 years
• this is a one-way transfer of quota out of the UK, unless it is part of a chain or package of proposals that have an ultimate benefit to the UK. All aspects of any chain or package should be completed within the same window
• the proposed transfer does not have a clear justification for the value or ratio of exchange
• your group does not hold the necessary quota or if you cannot provide evidence of a swap form having been submitted to ensure that the amount of quota in the proposed exchange can be covered

If you fail to complete all sections, or provide inadequate justification for approval, your proposal may be delayed or declined. Additional information may be requested where lacking. Where a proposed transfer is outside of what is considered acceptable, and the associated justification is unsatisfactory, it will not be approved.

Where to send the form

You will need to send the form to your FA based on your location in the UK. When a proposed exchange involves groups from multiple parts of the UK, send the form to all of the relevant FAs.

Contacts

If you need help completing the form or have any comments relating to the transfers, contact your Fisheries Administration directly.