An update on this important programme from the Marine Management Organisation.

Project to develop an inshore vessel monitoring system that can be used to manage marine protected areas and inshore fisheries.

• Project Background
• Approval Programme
• Lyme Bay trial
• Contact information

Project Background

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is working with inshore fisheries and conservation authorities (IFCAs) to develop and use an inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) to maximise their potential as a management tool for marine protected areas and inshore fisheries.

The project has produced a specification for I-VMS devices for vessels less than 12 metres. The specification details mandatory requirements for a device in order for it to be effective as a compliance and monitoring tool. The EU vessel monitoring system (VMS) dual-device system (VMS+) can be adapted to meet any future I-VMS or national reporting requirements for vessels over 12 metres.

The MMO and IFCA are running an approval programme to ensure that suppliers providing I-VMS products to UK fishing vessels in English waters implement the I-VMS specification of requirements consistently and correctly.

MMO and IFCA representatives will administrate the Approval Programme and perform the validation of the submitted product against the specification of requirements through an audit and technical validation process. An external testing company will also carry out a number of specific, technical tests.

Any product that meets the device specification requirements and is approved by MMO and IFCAs will be seen effective as a management and control tool and will be listed on the approval register.

Project to develop an inshore vessel monitoring system that can be used to manage marine protected areas and inshore fisheries. To read more go to:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inshore-vessel-monitoring-system-project