Photo by Rob Wicks

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced substantial progress in the rollout of the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) for England’s under-12m fishing fleet. Two months following the enforcement of the licence condition on 12 May 2025, over 80% of the targeted vessels have purchased and installed the required devices. The MMO reports that nearly all installations have been completed, with only a few pending due to vessel refits or other exceptional circumstances.

The introduction of I-VMS is a significant step towards enhancing sustainable fisheries management and marine planning. The system provides real-time position data, enabling better monitoring of fishing effort, compliance, and spatial trends. This data is crucial for making informed decisions regarding quota negotiations and marine spatial planning.

As the implementation progresses, the MMO continues to work closely with fishers, suppliers, and installation engineers to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout. The organisation remains dedicated to enhancing the sustainability and traceability of fisheries in English waters through the adoption of I-VMS technology.