Scotland’s inshore fishermen will be able to increase their sustainable operations with GB£1.5m funding for vessel tracking devices.
The joint funding from the Scottish Government and European Union will be focused on enhancing the monitoring of vessels under 12m in length, along with a small number of boats undertaking research to improve the scientific evidence base.
Speaking at the Inshore Fisheries Conference in Inverness, Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said: ““We are taking action to modernise inshore fisheries and are introducing appropriate vessel tracking, as outlined in our Programme for Government.”
The monitoring of vessels will help identify the location, extent, and intensity of fishing activity. That information can then be used by fishers, fisheries managers and marine planners, to better inform decisions that may impact on fish stocks and the marine environment.
Ewing commented: “This programme will help underpin the future prosperity of our fleet and the many coastal communities that depend on it.
“This significant investment will not only help us make better and more responsive fisheries management decisions, but also improve interactions between fishing and other marine users.”
Funding is provided through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Replacement for this fund is yet to be identified after Brexit.
