To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what share of the sea fishing quota for (a) plaice, (b) cod and (c) halibut in the Irish Sea is held by fishermen using vessels of under 10 metres. (278892)

In 2009, the 10 metre and under fleet received an initial quota share prior to adjustments of 4.6 per cent. (30.2 tonnes) for plaice and 1.6 per cent. (10.6 tonnes) for cod caught in the Irish sea. Irish sea halibut is not subject to a quota. The Marine and Fisheries Agency significantly increases the fishing opportunities of stocks such as Irish sea plaice which are targeted by inshore fishermen.