Expression of interest: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) 2J3KL cod fishery Grant

About this grant

The UK receives an annual quota allocation of 2J3KL cod through its membership of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO). This quota can be fished in the international waters of NAFO area 3L. For the July 2026 to June 2027 fishing year, 32.84 tonnes of quota were available to UK vessels. Defra administered an expression of interest process to allocate this quota to individual vessels or pair trawl teams. Applicants had to provide vessel and owner details, information on their proposed fishing activity, and an account of the benefits it would bring to the UK. Applications were assessed on a fair and objective basis to determine how much quota each applicant received. Assessment considered the environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed activity, such as diversification away from pressure stocks, job creation or downmarket benefits; the applicant's prior experience of, or research into, the NAFO 2J3KL cod fishery; and the catching capacity of the vessel, so that allocations maximise use of the UK fishing opportunity. Defra could also take previous infringements into account. Successful applicants had to comply with the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures (CEM), including gear, bycatch and observer requirements, and to hold or obtain an external waters licence for the NAFO Regulatory Area. Quota could not be traded, and unused quota could be returned to the UK Government. Licence authorisations were non-transferable and valid only for the July 2026 to June 2027 season, and they gave no track record or guarantee of future access. The application window has closed. Defra notified applicants of outcomes, and the guidance was withdrawn on 1 September 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a valid UK commercial fishing licence and must hold, or be willing to apply for and be issued, an external waters licence for access to the NAFO Regulatory Area. They must maintain full compliance with the NAFO CEM while fishing for NAFO 2J3KL cod, carry a fisheries observer as required by the CEM, and agree to catch and land only the quota allocated. Applications must be made per vessel, except that two vessels operating as a pair trawl team may submit a single application covering both vessels. Application forms must be fully completed, as incomplete forms are not considered.

How it's scored

Applications are assessed on a fair and objective basis to determine the quota amount allocated. Stated considerations are the environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed fishing activity (for example diversification away from pressure stocks, job creation or downmarket benefits), the applicant's prior experience of or research into the NAFO 2J3KL cod fishery, and the catching capacity of the vessel so that allocations maximise use of the UK opportunity. Defra may also consider previous infringements. Applications are reviewed by Defra and the UK Fisheries Administrations, and the page does not specify weightings or panel composition.

Key requirements

• ✓UK-based fishing operator or organisation
• ✓Interest in Northwest Atlantic cod fishery (2J3KL zone)
• ✓Compliance with NAFO regulations and UK fisheries law
• ✓Expression of interest submission to Defra

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Ocean and blue economy funding covers marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, coastal resilience and ocean technology. Support comes from public research bodies, development finance and ocean-focused foundations. Calls often favour projects that involve coastal communities and that can be monitored at sea.