Remote electronic monitoring

Overview

Proposals for expanding the use of remote electronic monitoring in English waters

This consultation launches Defra’s vision for expanding the use of remote electronic monitoring in English waters. It proposes an approach to the long-term adoption of remote electronic monitoring that moves from pilots to fishery wide implementation alongside policy reforms such as Fisheries Management Plans and a new approach to managing discards. It is part of an ongoing package of engagement that will help us work together to develop how remote electronic monitoring is used in English waters.

Why your views matter

These proposals will affect fishing industry stakeholders with vessels fishing in English waters. There will be more specific impacts for fishers with vessels in the fisheries that are prioritised for remote electronic monitoring. The proposals are also likely to be of interest to retailers and other stakeholders in the seafood supply chain, consumers, NGOs, remote electronic monitoring service providers and other fishing technology companies. 

Responses 

This is a 12-week consultation running from 17July to 9 October 2023

You can view the consultation documents below

To submit your consultation response please:

• complete the consultation questionnaire provided below through Citizen Space 
• or send additional information or documents to the Defra remote electronic monitoring policy team by email to rem-policy@defra.gov.uk  
• respond by post using the address below

Remote electronic monitoring policy team

Marine & Fisheries Directorate

Seacole Building

2 Marsham Street

SW1P 4DF

You only need to respond to the questions that you wish to. However, all respondents must complete the required ‘Consultee Feedback on the Online Survey’ and ‘personal details and confidentiality’ sections before you are able submit your response to the online survey.  

You can find the remote electronic monitoring proposals and associated documents in the ‘related documents’ section at the bottom of this page. Please pay particular attention to the consultation document which summarises our plans, includes the consultation questions and provides context. 

What happens next

A summary of responses to this consultation will be published on the government website at www.gov.uk/defra. An annex to the consultation summary will list all organisations that responded but will not include personal names, addresses or other contact details.  

The response to the consultation is expected to be published by early 2024.