Marine resources - ensuring long term sustainability: remote electronic monitoring (REM) consultation

5. REM for large demersal vessels

We know that REM can deliver significant benefits for other parts of the fishing fleet and want to consider how these benefits can best be realised in the future for fleet segments other than pelagic and scallop vessels. REM needs to be used proportionately, both in terms of which vessels are required to carry REM and also in relation to the type of REM which is used. Tailoring our approach and the technology we use to make sure we deliver the right outcomes is important.

For larger demersal vessels, specifically those targeting whitefish and also those targeting a mixed Nephrops and whitefish fishery [e.g. Large Demersal 22 m and over – using 120 mm or Large Nephrops 18 m and over - using between 80 mm – 119 mm] in an offshore context (i.e. beyond 12 nm of the coast), the deployment of REM on-board would help to deliver a range of benefits similar to those set out in section 2.3 for pelagic vessels.

We are seeking views on a range of options for deployment of REM to these parts of the fleet fishing within Scottish waters.

One option is the use of a reference fleet. This is likely to involve placing an REM system on a limited and defined number of Scottish vessels, in order to provide reference data for both compliance and science purposes. The system would be likely to involve a mixture of cameras and sensors in order to monitor fishing activity and to deliver the various benefits set out above. By using a reference fleet, costs would be kept to a minimum, and the data could be used to inform management decisions for both fishing operations and stock assessments. Reference fleets could also be used to provide a benchmark for compliance with rules and regulations, particularly around the discarding of fish; however it should be noted that there is difficulty in ensuring the performance and behaviour of a reference fleet is representative of the full fleet. Data for REM equipped vessels could be compared to non-REM vessels and should discrepancies arise, this could be used to require more robust monitoring in the case of expected infringements.

This option is likely to only apply to Scottish vessels, rather than all vessels (domestic or international) fishing in a particular fleet segment. It could also act as a precursor to wider rollout, by acting as a trial to help refine the technical requirements. In this way a reference fleet could act as a stepping stone to further rollout at a future point should it be needed. It would, however, mean that at least in the initial stages there would be no level playing field between Scottish and non-Scottish vessels.

Another option is broader rollout of REM for all vessels fishing as part of specific fleet segments. This would have the advantage of providing more blanket coverage, and provide greater certainty in delivering the benefits outlined above. It would also ensure that REM could be delivered on a level playing field basis, so that the same requirements would apply to Scottish and non-Scottish vessels. This requirement would require significantly more development and a longer lead in time for implementation, however these complexities may be outweighed in terms of broader benefits.

We are seeking views from stakeholders on the relative merits of each of these options, and also views on whether there are any alternative options which should be considered. We plan to take a staged approach to the deployment of REM on-board these fleet segments, recognising the need to have a workable Catching Policy in place first, and also recognising the considerable resource required to develop this proposal further. We want to take a co-management approach to the future rollout of REM and plan to discuss these options and the outcome of this consultation with our Fisheries Management and Conservation Group (FMAC) and others as appropriate. We will also consult further and more widely if required.

Question 13: what is your view in relation to the various options outlined for deployment of REM to parts of the demersal fleet as outlined in this section?