[jonbxx]

Originally Posted by Chris

Brexit returns the entire regulatory framework to exclusively British control. It is that British control that allows us to set (or re-set) our quotas and the licences that divide them up. It also allows us to make rules about who can buy rights, and how long they can hold them. Within the EU, the UK had no sovereign means of bringing those quota allocations back under UK control. Outside, we do.

The EU sets the quotas but has no say on who the government gives licences to. Here's the wording of the regulations;

Each Member State shall decide how the fishing opportunities that are allocated to it, and which are not subject to a system of transferable fishing concessions, may be allocated to vessels flying its flag (e.g. by creating individual fishing opportunities). It shall inform the Commission of the allocation method.

and

When allocating the fishing opportunities available to them, as referred to in Article 16, Member States shall use transparent and objective criteria including those of an environmental, social and economic nature. The criteria to be used may include, inter alia, the impact of fishing on the environment, the history of compliance, the contribution to the local economy and historic catch levels. Within the fishing opportunities allocated to them, Member States shall endeavour to provide incentives to fishing vessels deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact, such as reduced energy consumption or habitat damage.

Articles 16 and 17 here - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-cont...3R1380&from=EN