Remote electronic monitoring (REM)
Remote electronic monitoring (REM) includes Vessel Positioning Systems (VPS) and sensors and can also include cameras.
The use of REM technology improves the resilience, quality, cost-effectiveness and accessibility of scientific data and supports better monitoring of fishing operations and fish stocks.
The high-quality data that REM provides will strengthen our evidence base for effective fisheries management decision-making. This will help us to ensure that fishing activity remains sustainable, responsible and accountable.
REM supplements existing compliance approaches and resources, including:
- Marine Protection Vessels (MPVs) undertaking inspections at sea
- use of drones and RIBS to monitor inshore waters
- Fishery Officers verifying catches in port
REM also offers a range of scientific benefits. It supports and enhances existing fisheries-dependent data collection methods such as:
- independent fishery observers
- statutory returns (i.e. logbook or FISH1 forms)
- Vessel Monitoring Systems (in vessels 12 meters and over in length)
Rolling out REM to parts of the fishing fleet was a commitment of our fisheries Management strategy (December 2020). The introduction of REM into certain fleets will help us to achieve the strategy’s vision for Scotland to be a world class fishing nation, delivering responsible and sustainable fisheries management.
In 2022 we consulted on some of the general policy principles of using REM in Scotland. This included funding options and its application on Scottish vessels fishing out with Scottish waters. The consultation closed on 7 June 2022 and we published the consultation analysis in August 2023.
In June 2024, legislation was passed mandating the use of REM technology on scallop vessels (from 17 June 2024) and on pelagic fishing vessels (from 7 March 2026). The legislation applies to all relevant vessels operating in Scottish waters, and for Scottish vessels regardless of where they are fishing. The REM technical specifications for both scallop and pelagic vessels set out the technical requirements that a vessel’s REM system must meet to comply with the legislation.
Remote Electronic Monitoring for scallop dredge vessels:
- guidance on remote electronic monitoring for scallop boats (June 2024)
- technical specifications on remote electronic monitoring for scallop boats (June 2024)
Remote Electronic Monitoring for pelagic fishing vessels:
- technical specifications on remote electronic monitoring for pelagic vessels (October 2025)
- guidance on remote electronic monitoring for pelagic vessels (October 2025)