How can we monitor inshore fishing activity? MF1214:Inshore Vessel Monitoring System trial

Summary

Historically fishermen have had unrestricted access to the seas but as other activities stake a claim and formal spatial management planning becomes a reality, it is critical that fishermen record where and when they fish. Such information will help managers to better understand fishing practices and ensure that their stake in the planning process is appropriately represented. Also by monitoring fishing activity fishermen will be able to demonstrate that their activities can coexist with the many competing activities in the marine environment. Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) have been employed on the over 15 metre fleet for many years now, however the activities of a large number of under 15 metre vessels have never been monitored and thus, are poorly understood. To apply the standard VMS to inshore vessels is not straight forward due to the cost and need for frequent records so there is clearly a need for a low cost option for inshore fisheries, moreover a system which will add value to fishing business as well as regulators and managers.

Author

• Defra

Publication date

01 April 2010