Commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear: consultation

4. Call for Evidence

In this section we are interested in views on matters that we would not propose to introduce in the short term, but nonetheless see value in understanding whether these are avenues worth pursuing for possible introduction at a later date.

4.1 Expanding Remote Electronic Monitoring

We currently monitor vessel position and generator activity in the trial and consider this a minimum REM standard for a commercial fishery. Since the establishment of the trial, modern REM systems allow for CCTV. Legislation was introduced requiring REM systems with CCTV to be installed on scallop vessels (from 2024) and pelagic vessels (from 2026). We are interested if you consider there to be value in expanding REM in a razor clam fishery to cover CCTV and other sensors. This may enable greater confidence in catch accountability, detection of trends in razor clam size allowing adaptive management of areas, use of sea temperature data to refine and predict spawning behaviour to dynamically manage seasonal closures, detection of marine mammals and seabirds around vessels to verify speed restrictions are being adhered to, and other possibilities. It could be used as a tool to rapidly screen highly compliant vessels and focus enforcement resources where they are most needed. The drawback may be that the increased cost of equipment and hosting services could act as a barrier to participation in the fishery.

9. Should we seek to expand the scope of REM in razor clam fishing? Please provide reasoning for your answer.