There is coverage in The Express, UK Authority, IET and the Press Association of the call for evidence, launched yesterday, to examine whether monitoring technology could be used more widely on fishing boats operating in English waters to help support the sector by preventing overfishing.
Now that the UK has left the EU, the government is seeking to utilise the latest technology to better support the industry. These systems could help improve the management of our fisheries, and ensure the UK has a thriving and environmentally sustainable fishing sector by improving the data that is available to the industry on fish stocks.
Remote Electronic Monitoring systems can consist of automatic cameras, GPS, sensors or other monitoring measures. Its uses can include gathering data on the amount of fish, their sizes and all the different species present and can help fishermen show they are fishing in line with their catch allowances, supporting the sector to become more sustainable.
Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said:
“As we take back control of our fisheries, we want to ensure a sustainable and thriving fishing industry.
“Remote Electronic Monitoring technology could provide important information on the state of our fish stocks and help shape how we manage our fisheries in the future. We therefore want to hear from those who will be affected by its use and give them a say in how we manage our fisheries as an independent coastal state.”
The government will continue to work with all parts of the UK to deliver a coherent policy which reflects devolution settlements. This will be followed up by a formal consultation in 2021.
The government has also recently opened a package of consultations seeking views on new measures to boost the fishing industry, including how to fairly distribute the new opportunities from leaving the Common Fisheries Policy, and increase the economic benefits from fishing activity for our coastal communities.