INSHORE FISHERIES AND THE 10 METRE AND UNDER FLEET

That this House expresses deep concern in the way in which the Government has managed fish quota for the 10 metre and under fleet; notes that the 10 metre and under fleet is allocated only two to three per cent. of the UK's total amount of quota despite constituting over three-quarters of the number of fishing vessels; further notes the hardship that many inshore fishermen and their families have endured, in particular in 2007, as a consequence of not being allocated a sufficient amount of quota; recognises that the use of in-year and cross-year quota swaps are not a long-term solution to the quota shortage affecting inshore fishermen; further recognises the sustainable fishing practices adopted by vessels in the 10 metre and under fleet; and calls upon the Government to ensure that the quota allocations for the 10 metre and under fleet are fairer in 2008.