A step toward ending the quota crisis for fishing boats measuring under ten metres in length (under-tens) took place last week at a meeting attended by representatives from all sides of the industry.

Organised by Defra, it was the first of a series of meetings seeking a satisfactory solution to a sizeable rift that has existed for some years between the under-tens and owners of bigger boats.

"There is nothing concrete yet, it was just the first of a series of meetings, but we made some progress in addressing the under-10 quota problems," said Plymouth fisherman Dave Cuthbert, co-chairman of the New Under Ten Fishermen's Association (NUTFA).

While most big-boat owners have already purchased a large amount of quota, the owners of under-tens are forbidden to purchase quota.

Dished-out and managed yearly by Defra, the "tiny in comparison" under-ten quota pool has resulted in stringent restrictions and "has already driven a considerable number of inshore skippers out of the fishing industry", according to Mr Cuthbert.

Discussions were based on papers and contributions put forward by the industry organisations. A good start was made in identifying the nature of the problem and possible ways forward; and seven areas in which there is broad consensus on the direction to go were identified.

It was agreed that some integration of the fleets was required, focusing on the higher- end catchers of the under-tens, boats measuring just under ten meters in length and often called "rule beaters" – powerful trawlers and/or efficient gill netters – whose fishing patterns are more consistent with bigger boats, and those whose quotas are managed by producer organisations (POs). Discussions at future meetings will focus on how his might be achieved.

It was agreed that the under- tens could benefit from a move away from micro-management towards self-regulation, however, NUTFA representatives made it clear under-tens quotas must not suffer when some of the under-tens drift into POs, a solution likely to be favoured by Defra.

Some sectors at the meeting would welcome the upper end of the under-tens moving into the POs and taking quota with them. Recognised by Defra as the representative body of the under-tens, NUTFA is determined that the remaining under-tens will not be disadvantaged by such a move but will in fact receive some benefits from it.

Mr Cuthbert added: "Yes, there is some mileage in the more powerful under-tens moving into POs, and there does appear to be a softening of attitudes within the POs for that to happen, but those under-tens must not be allowed to take any under-ten quota with them. Were that the case, the remaining fleet would financially go under in a matter of weeks. We are not prepared to allow that to happen."

"We regard the outcome of the talks to be guardedly positive and there did appear to be a move from the POs and Defra to help toward both a short- term and a long-term solution to the problem."

Jim Portus, chairman of the United Kingdom Association of Fish Producer Organisations, said the meeting was "encouraging" and added: "While the meeting was the start of solving an English problem, surely a UK-wide answer is required in the long term."