Marine Management Organisation
Details
Why is it being introduced?
- Vessel monitoring is a tool that will enable a better understanding of scale, location and seasonality of fishing activity. This additional information combined with other fisheries data will aid our understanding of fishing and will allow us to respond more swiftly to any emerging issues.
- Coupled with the outputs from our fisheries assurance service we will be able to better target our risk-based, intelligence-led visits and inspections. In time, it may enable steps towards self-regulation for fishers who demonstrate a consistently high level of compliance.
- Data about the location, scale and seasonality of fishing effort from the majority of English fishers will give the industry powerful information they can use when presenting their case for example in planning consents for marine development, fisheries management or resolution of gear conflict issues with other marine users.
- Vessel monitoring could increase safety for smaller vessel operators as it could provide timely and accurate detail to inform search and rescue efforts if necessary.
- It will enable more precise delineation between fishing grounds and protected areas meaning a better balance between keeping fishing grounds open and protecting sensitive marine habitats and species can be established.
- It will enable improved control of non-English vessels in English waters as the current requirement is for all under-12m vessels to carry a vessel monitoring device.
Who does it apply to?
The policy will apply to all under-12m fishing vessels transiting or fishing in Englands water, regardless of where theyre registered.
Where will it apply?
Throughout Englands Exclusive Economic Zone.
Why do fishers have to pay?
The rules governing payment of grants from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund govern who can claim and receive funding. Only the fisher can apply and claim the grant subject to the Funds terms and conditions.
Funding Options
It is between the supplier and the fisherman which payment terms they agree. The MMO funding system can allow an applicant to present multiple payments as evidence.
In order to apply for funding, the devices has to be installed and transmitting alongside device/installation payments being fully completed before any reimbursement can be processed and issued.
Would an app on a mobile phone not be a cheaper solution?
The feasibility of a mobile phone-based app was considered, but the evidence demonstrated that an app would not meet the technical requirements of consistently and accurately reporting the location, heading and speed of fishing vessels. From the technology currently available only a hardware device can satisfy the technical objectives of the project to deliver a clearer picture of all fishing activity in Englands seas.
Why cant MMO use the data from the under-10m catch app?
The positional information fishers supply via the catch app is needed to support understanding of where fishers are catching which species of fish. However, it does not provide a precise track of each fishing trip and does not provide the real-time positional data, which is the key objective of vessel monitoring in order to develop a clearer picture of all fishing activity in Englands seas. Data from the catch app can be combined with vessel monitoring data to provide a much more accurate understanding of all fishing activity.
How can I access my own vessel monitoring information?
Currently fishers who have vessel monitoring devices can request their own Vessel Monitoring System data using a Subject Access Request. MMO is examining ways to make it simpler for fishers to get the tracking information for their own vessels.
What benefit is the I-VMS to the fishermen?
The vessel monitoring is a tool that will enable a better understanding of scale, location and seasonality of fishing activity. This additional information combined with other fisheries data will aid our understanding of fishing and will allow us to respond more swiftly to any emerging issues.
Data about the location, scale and seasonality of fishing effort from the majority of English fishers will give the industry powerful information they can use when presenting their case for example in planning consents for marine development, fisheries management or resolution of gear conflict issues with other marine users.
Vessel monitoring could increase safety for smaller vessel operators as it could provide timely and accurate detail to inform search and rescue efforts if necessary.
It will enable more precise delineation between fishing grounds and protected areas meaning a better balance between keeping fishing grounds open and protecting sensitive marine habitats and species can be established. It will enable improved control of non-English vessels in English waters as the current requirement is for all under-12m vessels to carry a vessel monitoring device
VMS data when linked to other data sources, such as landing information, will allow regulators to better manage quota, fishing restrictions and permits, evidencing track records and activities which will in time allow for stronger evidence to be presented to support fisheries and potentially reduce or refine regulation.
Coupled with the outputs from our fisheries assurance service we will be able to better target our risk-based, intelligence-led visits and inspections. This may reduce the number of times compliant fishers are inspected. In time, it may enable steps towards self-regulation for fishers who demonstrate a consistently high level of compliance.
What does the I-VMS data contain?
Positional information. In all cases, device id, date, time, latitude, longitude, speed, and course. In addition, the device will report changes in events such as battery status, data stored etc.
Data will transmit at regular intervals (every three minutes) via GPRS which is basically mobile phone signals to reduce transmission costs. If the I-VMS device is in an area that has no GPRS coverage, then the device will hold onto the generated data and transmit it all once coverage has been restored. This is accepted within the legal requirements.
When do I legally have to operate with an I-VMS device?
All under 12m vessels will have to operate with an I-VMS device and transmit the relevant data once the legal requirement comes into force. The I-VMS statutory instrument is expected to be laid around late 2022.
When do I need to get my device fitted by?
For tranche 1 and 2 fishers the date for getting device fitted and grant application submitted, is June 17 2022.
What should I do if I have ordered a device but my supplier has said they cant fit it on time?
Fishers should contact their supplier with whom they have entered into contract to seek advice. MMO has met or been in contact with suppliers to remind them of their obligations to customers.
Do I have to transmit any I-VMS data before the legal requirement?
Yes, but only during your installation phase. This is so we can verify your device is installed, operational and able to transmit I-VMS data correctly. In addition, the data needs to arrive at the UK VMS Hub in order to be able to verify a funding claim. The I-VMS suppliers will push the data to us.
After the installation period (the following day) there is no legal requirement to transmit I-VMS data to us until the I-VMS regulation comes into force later this year.
However, if a fisher is happy to, they can send I-VMS data to the MMO via the UK VMS Hub prior to the I-VMS regulation comes into force later this year.