Commentary on provisions of Act Fishing opportunities Section 25: Distribution of fishing opportunities
This section provides the criteria that must be used when national fisheries authorities distribute catch quotas and effort quotas to fishing boats. This section replaces Article 17 of the Basic Regulation in retained EU law, which is revoked by Schedule 10.
	Subsection (1) requires that the criteria used must be transparent and objective and include criteria relating to environmental, social and economic factors.
	Subsection (2) provides that the criteria may in particular relate to other factors such as the environmental impact of fishing. Subsection (3) also provides that those distributing quota should seek to incentivise the use of selective gear and fishing techniques that have a reduced environmental impact.
	Subsection (4) defines "national fisheries authorities" for the purpose of this section.