Question reference: S6W-00466
- Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 3 June 2021
-
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 17 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the resolution of the Parliament on the debate on motion S5M-15096 on 11 December 2018, what progress it has made on delivering remote electronic monitoring for all of Scotland's fishing vessels, and when this will be fully rolled out.
Answer
The Scottish Government’s Fisheries Management Strategy, published in December 2020, sets out a clear vision for delivering accountability and confidence in our sea fishing activities, and in ensuring that we have the right data and knowledge available on which to base management decisions.
Our approach to sea fisheries compliance and science is already world-class. The introduction of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) to key fishing fleet segments will enhance our capabilities, building on the solid foundation we already have in place.
In relation to the inshore fishing fleet, 30-40% of Scottish scallop dredge vessels are currently fitted with REM systems, including cameras. Voluntary installations are ongoing around Scotland and our intention is to lay legislation this year, making the technology mandatory for scallop dredge vessels. In addition, to inform the wider deployment of REM technology across inshore vessels, around 40 creel boats have been equipped with a low-cost device as part of our Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Pilot. The REM device reports vessel position and provides feedback that assesses fishing activity, testing our ability to manage creel fishing effort within a significant area of sea. The Pilot project reflects the aspirations of our Fisheries Management Strategy for the network of Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups to take a lead role in proposing and developing fisheries improvement projects that will benefit communities while fulfilling our environmental obligations.
We will shortly consult on mandatory rollout to the scallop and pelagic sectors, along with consideration of further rollout to other fleet segments using a proportionate and risk-based approach. It is important to have a level playing field and we will ensure this is delivered through legislation, meaning that any vessels fishing in Scottish waters must also comply with these rules. We are tailoring the deployment of REM across our fishing sectors to reflect the varied nature of fishing activity, a blanket approach is not appropriate. Hence, we do not have a fixed timescale for delivering REM, given the complexities of installation and lead in time needed, particularly for the international fleet. However, it remains a key priority as part of our 10 year delivery plan under the wider Fisheries Management Strategy.