Marine Management Organisation
Important update 7 December 2023
Fishers with 6-12m vessels who are yet to purchase their inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) device, or have done so but are yet to claim for their grant funding, have now been granted additional time to submit their claim.
Following positive uptake from the 6-12m and under-6m sectors, the few remaining fishers with under-12m vessels now have until Monday 18 December 2023 to take action.
Fishers purchasing a type approved I-VMS device are reminded they can claim up to 1,050 per vessel by the deadline above and take advantage of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) before it closes.
There will be no extension to this deadline. Those who do not submit their claim by 18 December 2023 risk having to cover the cost of purchase and installation of their I-VMS device.
Actions to take:
1. Choose your preferred device
The two type approved devices are Fulcrum NEMO or Succorfish SC2.
2. Purchase device from supplier
Youll typically receive payment confirmation on the same day.
3. Apply for your grant funding by 18 December 2023.
You can start your grant claim as soon as you have paid for your device and received proof of purchase - you do not need to wait for installation of a device to submit a grant application.
4. Receive your grant payment
On receipt of all required information, grant applications will be processed by MMO and payment will be issued to you within three to five working days.
5. Install device
Installation of your device should be arranged directly with suppliers and/or their engineers.
MMO continues to contact fishers by letter and email to make sure all fishers are aware of their options, and fishers may also receive a phone call or text.
Full details including FAQs are below.
Our dedicated helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling 01900 508618, or you can email our I-VMS Engagement and Support team at ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.
What is I-VMS?
Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices are similar to the VMS tracking devices used by fishing vessels of 12 metres and greater. I-VMS devices monitor inshore fishing activity to help improve the management and sustainability of our marine environment, ensure proper fishing practices and prevent illegal fishing to help protect and enhance the livelihoods of fishers.
Using GPRS mobile phone signals, I-VMS devices provide positional information (such as latitude and longitude, course, speed and date and time of each positional report) which is sent to MMOs UK VMS Hub. When a device is located outside GPRS range, the device will continue to store the positional information and submit the data once GPRS coverage next becomes available. This is different to the VMS devices used by larger vessels, which transmit data via satellite and can become expensive.
Combined with data on catch volumes, scientific evidence of stock levels and a range of other significant data, I-VMS will enable more efficient decisions on local and national management measures and policies. It will also enable MMO to continually improve its targeted assurance activities as the clearer picture of fishing activity will help highlight which vessels are consistently complying with regulations on where and what they can fish, and those that may introduce risk to sustainable sea fisheries.
I-VMS legislation
The introduction of legislation to make I-VMS mandatory is expected to come into force in 2024. Once legislation is in place, it will be a legal requirement for all vessels under 12 metres in length, both domestic and foreign, to have an inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) installed and transmitting data to MMO, when they are at sea in English waters. This is part of the governments strategy to improve data collection to support development of more responsive fisheries management measures and practices that will enable industry to benefit from leaving the Common Fisheries Policy.
When the legislation comes into force it will be every fishers responsibility to ensure that they have a device fitted and that it is transmitting - if a device is not fitted to the vessel and transmitting, they will not be able to fish lawfully.
As a responsible regulator, MMO is facilitating preparations to support industry through type approval, grant funding and a staged roll-out, so that every fisher has the opportunity to be compliant before the new legislation is introduced.
Legal measures
Fishers that are subject to existing legislation requiring the operation of an I-VMS device, either under IFCA or Welsh Government legislation, should take action immediately and notify the supplier that you are affected by I-VMS measures when arranging your installation.
Type approved devices
Following independent testing, two devices Fulcrum NEMO and Succorfish SC2 remain type approved.
Fishers should review the list of type approved devices and supplier information and act now to purchase their preferred device.
Fishers with an I-VMS device that is no longer type approved should not attempt to remove that device - the removal and safe disposal of non type approved devices is covered as part of the installation process.
Funding support
Up to 1,050 of European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grant funding is available to support fishers secure a suitable I-VMS device and reclaim purchase and installation costs.
The process for claiming funding has been streamlined and fishers can now apply for their European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grant by providing proof of purchase from their preferred supplier.
Successful grant applications will be processed within 3-5 working days upon receipt of all required information.
To meet EMFF grant payment conditions, devices must be installed within 90 days of purchase and claims must be made by 18 December 2023.
Read more and make your grant claim of up to 1,050 from the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for i-VMS.
Contact us
Our dedicated helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling 01900 508618, or you can email our I-VMS Engagement and Support team at?ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our updated FAQs for further information.
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