Query: What is the purpose of allocating fishing quotas?
Response: The purpose of the allocation of quotas is to ensure that economically viable levels of quota for vessels in the fleets are made to enable them to operate.
Query: How are the levels of quotas determined, and what other considerations are also made regarding the allocation of quotas and are they transferable?
Response: The determinations of quotas are based on the levels of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) made available and the number of right holders in species applied for. Another important consideration when allocating quotas is to ensure equitable distribution of fishing opportunities among right holders, taking into consideration the extent of onshore investments. The Ministry also evaluates any proposal involving the concentration of quotas for any fishery in any one venture, against the need to maintain broad participation and competition within each area of the industry. It should be noted that quotas are not transferable without the approval of the Minister. Such approval may only be granted if the quota, if any, or a portion thereof, connected with the right or exploratory right is also transferred to the same person.
Query: Who is responsible for the licensing of vessels and does the Ministry determine the number of vessels to be registered?
Response: The right holder will be required to forward an application for a licence to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, upon which the Minister, when satisfied, will issue a licence to the right holder. The Ministry does not determine the number of vessels to be registered. The right holders decide on the number of vessels they wish to register, based on the fishery for which they have acquired the right and quota to catch. It also depends on the level of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and the size of quota allocation to individual right holders.