This increase means that for the remainder of the second quarter of 2008, these vessels will be able to land an extra five tonnes compared to the current limits.

UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw said: “This increase in catch limits will help make sure that UK fishermen in the North Sea can take full advantage of the summer nephrops fishery.”

The MFA added it has also been taking forward its commitment to have regular discussions with POs and UKAFPO to help identify additional options for the 10m and under fleet.

These are aimed at making quota available as well as helping to establish leasing of quota for certain stocks.

This has resulted in some additional fish quota moving to the 10m and under fleet, either through donations or internal UK swaps.

Quota leasing continues to be a possibility for selected stocks.

North Sea skates and rays have been added to the list of stocks for which leasing is possible, and this is proving an important source of additional quota for 10m and under vessels to allow them to continue fishing.

MFA and UK fisheries administrations are today issuing final allocations of quota for fish stocks for 2008 for all stocks with the exception of those three pelagic stocks where special arrangements are in place to cover substantial UK over-fishes in earlier years.

This will enable POs to finalise their management plans for the rest of the year which will in turn enable them to consider further whether any more quota may be made available to help the 10m and under fleet.

Now that final allocations are out, MFA will discuss with POs what further help they can provide.

In recognition of the particular challenges faced by many in the 10m and under fleet in the North East of England, MFA and Defra have had discussions with the local regional development agency to ensure that the full range of business support and advice services can be accessed by fishermen.

Whilst these discussions are on-going, a range of existing support measures are currently available through Business Link and Jobcentre Plus offices in the North East of England.

To contact Business Link, call 0845 600 9006 or visit their website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast.

Information on how to contact Jobcentre Plus in the North East can be found at http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Partners/RegionalBusinessCommunity/Northeast/index.html

Nigel Gooding, CEO of the Marine and Fisheries Agency said: “The MFA continues to work hard to help the 10m and under fleet and I welcome the opportunity to work with the Business Link in the North East (of England) to ensure there is business support and advice available for the fishing industry now and in the longer term.”

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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