Un-attributable Compensation Fund

The Oil & Gas and Fishing industries in the UK have worked together in developing the Oil & Gas UK Fishermen’s Compensation Fund.  This fund was established by Oil & Gas UK (then UKOOA) in 1975 following representation from the Scottish Fishermen's Federation to address the issue of unattributable debris from oil and gas related activity in UKCS.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide a means of redress to UK skippers who have suffered loss or damage to fishing gear caused by UKCS oil-related debris where the Operator responsible cannot be established. Where the damage can be attributed to a specific Operator, claims are pursued directly with that Operator but if unsuccessful, an application may then be made to the Fishermen’s Compensation Fund for consideration.

 The Fund is financed by Oil & Gas UK and managed by a Committee comprising representatives of the SFF and NFFO with representatives from Oil & Gas UK and the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency being present as Observers.

 Since 1989, when records began, over 900 claims have been submitted to the Fund which has made settlements totalling nearly £3 million.