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

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, there are 32.84 tonnes of quota available to UK vessels.

To be eligible to apply to fish for NAFO 2J3KL cod you must:

• hold a valid UK commercial fishing licence
• hold, or be willing to apply for, and be issued, an external waters licence for access to the NAFO Regulatory Area
• maintain full compliance with the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures (CEM) while fishing for NAFO 2J3KL cod
• carry a fisheries observer as required by the NAFO CEM
• agree to only catch and land the quota - trading the allocation will not be permitted (unused quota will be returned to UK Government where appropriate, following the estimated fishing dates given in your application form)

How and when to apply

The NAFO 2J3KL cod expression of interest is being administered by Defra.

The application period will run until 23:59 on 23 August 2026.

Complete the form and send by email to UKCatchStatistics@defra.gov.uk

You can also use this email if you have any problems completing your application, or for queries on existing applications.

Guidance on completing the form

Before applying, please ensure you have read the information provided in the ‘Considerations before applying’ section below.

You must answer all questions on the application form, unless marked as optional. Incomplete application forms will not be considered and will cause your application to be unsuccessful.

Applicants will be required to complete vessel and owner details as well as provide information on their proposed fishing activity and the benefits it will bring to the UK.

Applying as a pair trawl team 

Applications must be completed on an individual basis per vessel; unless two vessels plan to operate as a pair trawl team, in which case a single application for both vessels is appropriate. Applications to fish via the pair trawl method should include the details of both vessels in a single application.

How applications will be assessed

Applications will be assessed on a fair and objective basis to determine the amount of quota to be allocated.

Consideration will be given to:

• the environmental, social and economic impacts of your proposed fishing activity, for example, diversification away from pressure stocks, job creation or downmarket benefits
• your prior experience of, or research into, the NAFO 2J3KL cod fishery
• the catching capacity of the vessel in your application, to ensure allocations maximise the usage of this UK fishing opportunity

Defra may also consider previous infringements when assessing applications.

Considerations before applying  

Permitted gears 

Vessels must comply with all applicable gear requirements contained in the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures (CEM).

Observers 

An observer is required for any fishing activities in the NAFO Regulatory Area.

If your application is successful, details of observer coverage requirements will be contained within your licence conditions.

Bycatches

Vessels must comply with all applicable bycatch provisions contained in the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures (CEM).

Fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area

You should take into consideration that there are additional requirements relating to fishing at increased distances from shore. This includes carriage of appropriate radio and medical equipment and ensuring crew are appropriately trained to operate in accordance with the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

You must hold, or be willing to apply for, and be issued, an external waters licence for access to the NAFO Regulatory Area. There are specific requirements relating to landing UK caught fish directly into the EU.

You must satisfy yourself that you meet all the regulatory requirements to fish in the NAFO Regulatory Area. Contact your UK Fisheries Administration if you have any queries.

Evidence that you meet the requirements of the NAFO Regulatory Area is not required to be submitted in order for an application to be successful. The information in this section is provided to inform applicants of requirements they may have to fulfil prior to being able to begin fishing in international waters should their application be successful.

Next steps

Applications will be reviewed by Defra and the UK Fisheries Administrations.

They will aim to notify all applicants on the outcome of their application from 26 August 2026.

Terms and conditions 

Defra and the UK FAs reserve the right to determine who receives a licence authorisation. The quota is managed by the Marine Management Organisation, who reserve the right to redistribute quota if required during the year. 

Licence authorisations will be non-transferable and valid for the July 2026 to June 2027 fishing season only. Licence authorisations will not provide successful applicants with a track record for future quota applications and provide no guarantee of access to NAFO 2J3KL cod quota in future. 

Defra reserves the right to request an end of year fishing report from successful applicants, to assess the success of the fishery.

If you are successful and at the end of the season the vessel in your application is found to not have undertaken the activities outlined in your application, it may jeopardise your ability to apply to the fishery next year.

How your data will be handled

The personal data you provide in your application will be collected and processed for the purpose of assessing and determining the outcome of your application for a licence. Personal data will be handled in accordance with the privacy notice.