New legislation requiring all under-12 metre vessels fishing in English waters to have an operational inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) device, is just months away from being in place it has been announced.

The positional data provided by I-VMS devices will aid in ensuring the sustainability of UK fisheries and provide a more thorough understanding of fishing practices. Defra has confirmed to Marine Management Organisation (MMO), that the drafting of the legislation is in its final stages.

Facilitated preparation

MMO confirm that over 80% of the English under-12m fleet have purchased a device, claiming £1.3m in grant funding to cover purchase and installation costs. Almost 100% of those purchasing a device have their devices installed, with the remaining installations due in the coming weeks, pending completion of vessel refits or other exceptional circumstances which may have prevented installations from happening sooner.

Credit: The Marine Management Organisation

Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance for MMO said: “We have been preparing for the new legislation to be laid this spring, and it is good to know that the review process is in its final stages. As such, all vessels fishing in English waters should be prepared to have an operational I-VMS device in place from this summer.

“There are still a few fishers yet to purchase a device and arrange installations. For those fishers to be compliant with the legislation and be able to fish lawfully when it comes into effect, we urge them to contact the suppliers of the two type-approved devices while there is still time.”

Following independent testing, two I-VMS devices are type approved by MMO for use by English licenced vessels fishing in English waters: Fulcrum NEMO and Succorfish SC2.

Each vessel will need to have its own I-VMS device installed and devices cannot be removed from the vessel unless for repair, which needs to be arranged through your supplier and their approved engineer.

What is I-VMS?

Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices are similar to the VMS tracking devices used by fishing vessels of 12 metres and greater. They enhance marine environment management, promote sustainable fishing practices, and combat illegal fishing, safeguarding fishers’ livelihoods.

I-VMS devices utilize GPRS signals to relay positional information (latitude, longitude, speed, etc.) to the MMO’s UK VMS Hub. When outside GPRS range, data is stored and transmitted upon reconnection. Unlike satellite-transmitting devices on larger vessels, I-VMS is cost-effective.

Coupled with catch data and scientific evidence, I-VMS facilitates informed local and national management decisions. It enhances MMO’s surveillance, identifying compliant vessels and those posing risks to sea fisheries sustainability.

Further I-VMS information from the Marine management Organisation can be found here.