New Scottish fisheries measures announced

The consultation proposes that vessel tracking devices will be required by Scottish commercial fishing vessels under 12 metres in length wherever they operate, and by all vessels of that size when they operate in Scottish waters.

It also asks whether remote electric monitoring (REM) systems should be required on some inshore vessels.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said the proposals would help support sustainable fisheries management and urged the inshore sector to engage with the government.

“Government, industry and communities all have a shared interest and commitment to a healthy marine environment,” she said.

“Open dialogue and constructive working of the sort that has helped to develop these proposals will ensure that we benefit from the expertise of the fishing industry.”

The Scottish government has also published the outcome of two earlier consultations:

• REM will become mandatory on large pelagic vessels and all scallop dredge vessels in Scottish waters. Further rollout of REM will be considered alongside the Future Catching Policy development.
• Future Catching Policy will take concrete action to increase the sustainability of fishing activity, supporting fishers to avoid bycatch.