The new technology aims to enhance the accuracy of catch recordings and prevent unlawful discarding of fish.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The UK Government has announced this month that it will be deploying new advanced technology to monitor and manage fishing activities in English waters.
In a bid to safeguard the sustainability of UK fish stocks, Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) systems are being rolled out to enhance the accuracy of catch recordings and prevent unlawful discarding of fish - proposals for which were first mooted last year, with a consultation process concluding in October 2023.
REM systems utilize a combination of cameras, gear sensors, and GPS units to record fishing activities. The technology ensures that catches are accurately documented, which the UK Government says will support sustainable stock management and instil greater confidence among retailers and consumers regarding the sustainability of UK fish.
Starting this summer, volunteers from five priority fisheries will begin using REM systems. Their efforts will help to refine monitoring objectives and ensure the technology's compatibility with the needs of fishers. Following the successful demonstration and fine-tuning of REM systems, their use will become mandatory for all vessels operating in these fisheries, including non-UK vessels.
The information gathered through REM is expected to bolster the long-term profitability of the fishing sector and enhance the UK's food resilience and security, according to the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
UK Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer called the post-Brexit move "a new approach to fisheries management that is in the best interests of the UK fishing industry".
In addition to REM, the UK is to adopt a new approach to managing discards in English waters, aiming to better account for catches.
Starting in 2025, both landings and discards will be counted against quota allocations, with the amount of quota used for discards varying based on vessel type and gear used.
Discard reduction schemes will also be implemented to minimize unwanted catches, working collaboratively with regulators and the industry to overcome barriers to improved gear usage.