Views on a draft future catching policy are being sought along with plans to roll-out Remote Electronic Monitoring systems for boats fishing in Scottish waters.

The proposals include:

Additional technical and spatial management measures to reduce catches of unwanted fish and support the fishing industry to avoid bycatch of sensitive marine species such as seabirds, seals and dolphins;

Simplify the rules around discarding of fish;

Introducing mandatory Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM), which can include the use of cameras, sensors and GPS, on board key parts of the    fishing industry operating in Scottish waters to provide assurance that fishing activity is sustainable and lawful, while at the same time gathering data to allow for better decision making

Working in partnership with fishers, scientists and environmental groups, the consultations will shape an environmentally and economically sustainable sector for future generations.

Background

Both consultations can be found here.

The consultation on REM confirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to introducing mandatory REM onboard all scallop dredge and large pelagic vessels operating in Scottish waters.

Subject to parliamentary time and approval, the aim is to have the legislation in place by the end of 2022 to do this.

More information can be found on the Scottish Government website here.