Guidance: North Sea Fully Documented Fishery (FDF) and North Sea Nephrops schemes

The Fully Documented Fishery (FDF) schemes aim to reduce fish discards and encourage fishermen to fish more selectively. Vessels participating in either scheme are required to comply with the Landing Obligation and all fisheries regulations.

North Sea FDF scheme

To apply for the North Sea FDF scheme you should refer to documents 1a) and 1b). You need to apply to take part by 18 April 2018.

North East Nephrops FDF scheme

To apply for the North East Nephrops FDF scheme you should refer to documents 2a) and 2b). You need to apply to take part by 30 April 2018.

The documents give more information on the specific conditions of each scheme including:

• eligibility
• additional quota given to those boats taking part in the scheme
• rules on discards and undersize fish
• operation of the remote electronic monitoring (REM) system
• control and enforcement
• conditions placed on the vessel and people taking part
• data control and handling
• penalties
• other general conditions

North East Nephrops net selectivity trial

Document 3 provides more information about the North East Nephrops net selectivity trials. To express an interest in taking part in this scheme please contact the MMO by email: ukcatchquota@defra.gov.uk or call 0300 123 1032. Vessels must apply to take part by 30 April 2018.

If you would like to take part in the schemes but are unable to apply by the deadline please contact the MMO as soon as possible to express an interest.

Further information and reports on the results of the scheme are available in the document collection.