The surprise embargo, imposed by the Marine and Fisheries Agency affects the North Sea areas 1Va, 1Vb and 1Vc and vessels that tow gear of 100 mm and above and will last for the remainder of January.

The MFA said last night that the closure is from 00.01 on Jan 25 until midnight January 31 and will effect around 60 trawlers administered by the Marine and Fisheries Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government.

It is believed to have been introduced because of concerns that UK might have breached its EU Effort Limit in the cod recovery plan. However, the move has caused anger right down the East Coast where local fishermen say they have not exceeded their quotas.

The MFA said ina statement that the UK was nearing its national effort limit for the TR1 North Sea (Whitefish) Gear.The statement added: "This measure only affects the North Sea TR1 gear type. All other gears are unaffected by this change. Other gear types may still be used and fishermen may apply to use other gear types during this period.

"The decision has been taken because of concerns that the UK is in danger of breaching its 2009 – 2010 EU effort limit in the Cod Recovery Plan. Not to act would have risked large cuts in whitefish effort for our fleet in 2010/11."

Elsewhere, both the Scottish and Northern Irish ministers have stated publicly that if there is ultimately an overshoot attributable to their vessels they will have to bear the full weight of any penalty this attracts.

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