Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): island communities impact assessment - draft

Objectives

As part of its Fisheries Management Strategy, the Scottish Government is introducing legislation making it a legal requirement for all scallop dredge and pelagic vessels operating in Scottish waters (and for Scottish vessels, when they are operating anywhere) to have a fully operational Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) system installed on board. The aims of the policy are to deliver confidence and accountability in the activities of fishing vessels at sea, to ensure compliance with key legislation such as the landing obligation and spatial restrictions and to enhance our understanding and knowledge of fisheries and stocks.

The REM requirement applies to all applicable vessels operating in Scottish waters, regardless of national origin, with no differentiation between Scottish islands. The only differing element is the fleet segments the requirement will apply to in this instance – pelagic and scallop dredge, with a potential further rollout to other fleet segments in the future.

The intended impacts/outcomes are as follows and will not differ across the islands:

• To improve our capacity to independently monitor fishing activity at sea and to be able to demonstrate that fishing activities carried out are in line with existing regulations.
• To deliver enhanced accountability in fisheries management, which in turn will provide confidence around catch levels and stock sustainability.
• To deliver the confidence and accountability that consumers and members of the public want to see from our seafood products.
• To improve spatial and fishing data. REM technology offers a range of scientific benefits such as providing enhanced spatial information, which will deliver an improved understanding of the interactions between the fishing industry and other marine users.