When Vessel Monitoring Systems will be rolled out to the under-12-metre inshore nephrops trawl fleet.

Improving the availability of spatial fisheries data is a key commitment within the Scottish Government's Fisheries Management Strategy, including the increased use of inshore vessel monitoring systems (I-VMS) on under-12 metre fishing vessels. I-VMS devices collect similar positional data to Vessel Monitoring Systems. However, as they are designed for use on smaller inshore vessels and typically transmit data using mobile networks, they have lower associated costs and can provide more frequent position reporting.Following the 2023 public consultation on the introduction of electronic tracking and monitoring technology for under-12 metre vessels, the Scottish Government has been progressing policy development and procurement activity. Delays have been experienced during this process and, as a result, implementation has not yet commenced. The Scottish Government will confirm the timetable for rollout and next steps at the earliest opportunity.