Guidance

Quota application mechanism: privacy notice

Published 6 October 2025

Applies to England

This privacy notice explains how data is being collected for the quota application mechanism (QAM) trial. If you have any queries about the content of this privacy notice, email quota@defra.gov.uk.

Who collects your personal data

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the controller for the personal data we collect.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

If you need further information about how Defra uses your personal data and your associated rights you can contact the Defra data protection manager by email at data.protection@defra.gov.uk or by post.

The data protection officer for Defra is responsible for checking that Defra complies with legislation. You can contact them by email at DefraGroupDataProtectionOfficer@defra.gov.uk or by post.

What personal data we collect and how it is used

We collect your:

• name
• applicant and group contact details
• vessel details such as RSS number and PLN number
• master or owner name
• master or owner address
• master or owner date of birth
• environmental, social and economic benefits you would deliver if successful in your application

Your name is required to ensure we have a named contact to correspond with in relation to your application.

The applicant and group contact details are collected to enable us to:

• contact you and your group after your application has been reviewed
• maintain correspondence as part of the trial’s assessment

Vessel details, master or owner name, address and date of birth will be used:

• for identification
• to complete a compliance check
• to ensure your application is eligible for the trial

Details about successful applicants will be included in a published assessment of the trial. The benefits set out in your application to answer the application questions will be scored to assess how best to allocate quota amongst QAM trial applicants and included in a published assessment of the trial.

Lawful basis for processing your personal data

The lawful basis for processing your personal data is to perform a task in the public interest to help improve the QAM trial and ensure compliance to prevent fraudulent activities in accordance with the Fisheries Act 2020.

Who we share your personal data with

We may share the personal data collected under this privacy notice with the:

• Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
• Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

Data may be shared with the MMO (as a joint controller) and Cefas (as a processor) as part of completing compliance checks and in their responsibility as part of the QAM advisory panel. MMO and Cefas officials may assess and score benefits that you set out in your application.

We respect your personal privacy when responding to access to information requests. We only share information when necessary to meet the statutory requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

How long we hold personal data

We will keep your personal data for 5 years.

What happens if you do not provide the personal data

If you do not provide the personal data we will not be able to assess your application.

Your rights

Based on the lawful processing above, your individual rights are the:

• right to be informed
• right of access
• right to rectification
• right to restrict processing
• right to object
• rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling

Find out more information about your individual rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).

Complaints

You have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office at any time.

Personal information charter

Our personal information charter explains more about your rights over your personal data.