Operation VMS Crackdown getting results
On 1 November, AFMA began ‘Operation VMS Crackdown’ to target Commonwealth fisheries operators that are not complying with the requirement to have a VMS operating at all times.
During the crackdown any boat with a VMS unit that stops reporting can be ordered to stop fishing immediately and to return to its home port until AFMA (Australian Fisheries Management Authority) is satisfied that the unit is working correctly again.
Average VMS compliance rates before the crackdown indicated that approximately 95% of Commonwealth endorsed vessels were meeting the VMS requirements contained in their concessions. Within two weeks of implementing a media and information campaign and AFMA staff working with operators on a daily basis regarding VMS technical issues, the VMS compliance rate had increased to 99.08% as at 15 November 2011.
Tod Spencer, Senior Manager, Intelligence, Planning and Data Management, was happy with the results of the crackdown. “So far only one boat has been ordered to port as a result of this campaign, so it’s really pleasing to see operators making a concerted effort to work with AFMA to ensure their units are operating correctly,” he said.
