Inshore vessel monitoring systems (iVMS) for fishing vessels under 12m: frequently asked questions
Guidance on the use of inshore vessel monitoring systems for commercial fishing vessels under 12m.
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What is the inshore vessel monitoring systems (iVMS)?
iVMS devices installed on fishing vessels transmit information, including the geographical position, date, time, speed and course of the vessel, to the Fishing Authority. All under 12m commercial fishing vessels operating within Wales and the Welsh zone, and Welsh under 12m registered fishing vessels wherever they are operating, from 15 February 2022 are required to have a functioning iVMS device on board that transmits this information to the Welsh Authorities every 10 minutes. It is an offence to fish without a functioning iVMS device on your vessel and enforcement action could be taken.
What is the purpose of monitoring under 12m vessels?
iVMS shows us when and where fishing activity is taking place. This helps us to gain a better understanding of the scale, location and seasonality of fishing activity and aid fisheries management.
In 2019 we introduced Catch Recording for under 10m vessels. This provides us with more information about what is being caught in Welsh waters. Combining catch data with iVMS gives us a fuller picture of fishing effort and helps us to manage fishing sustainability.
iVMS provides the industry with evidence of their catch origin and fishing grounds. This could be used to resolve conflicts with other marine users and for responding to marine planning and licensing consultations.
The introduction of iVMS creates a common requirement for all UK and third country under 12 metre vessels fishing in Welsh waters and enables enforcement to operate in a more efficient and targeted manner.
When did it become a requirement for under 12m vessels fishing in Wales and the Welsh zone to use iVMS?
Legislation requiring the use of VMS on all licensed under 12m fishing vessels that operate in Welsh Waters, and Welsh vessels wherever they are fishing, came into force on 15 February 2022.
The Sea Fishing Operations (Monitoring Devices) (Wales) Order 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)
Am I eligible for a free device from Welsh Government?
Version 7: December 2024