Policy background Fisheries management in the UK Producer Organisations
POs were established under the EU Regulation on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products (No. 1379/2013 - the ‘CMO Regulation’). POs are made up of fishery or aquaculture producers and their main objectives are promoting sustainable fishing, reducing unwanted catches, contributing to the traceability of fishery products, and the elimination of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. They also play a role in marketing the products of their members and building a relationship with the supply chain (fish markets, processors, other purchasers, retailers and consumers) in order to promote market stability.
	In addition to their responsibilities under the CMO Regulation, POs in the UK are responsible for managing quota on behalf of their members. PO staff also provide an administrative function to ensure accurate catch records for their members are maintained.