Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what opportunities there are for fishing and increased quotas for under-10-metre fishing vessels under the determination of fishing opportunities for British fishing boats.

Following the annual UK-EU and Coastal State negotiations, the UK secured approximately 747,000 tonnes of quota for 2025, valued at around £956 million. Targeted initiatives have expanded the quota pool available to the under 10 metre (U10) fleet, particularly for stocks that were previously underutilised.

The 350kg annual cap on finfish quota species for English U10 vessels has been removed. The Secretary of State’s Determination sets total UK catch limits for quota stocks, after which allocations, being a devolved matter, are made available. In England, quota for the U10 pool is managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Licence variations have increased catch limits for certain species, enabling more effective use of quota throughout the year.

By removing restrictive caps and adjusting monthly limits, these measures create significant new opportunities for U10 vessels.