United Kingdom and Faroe Islands fisheries consultations: agreed record for 2026

Electronic data exchange

11.1 The Delegations noted the decision by the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) to implement and set into production the new Electronic Reporting System (ERS) based on the United Nations Fisheries Language for Universal Exchange (UN/FLUX standard) on 15 January 2024. This date marked the start of the two-year transition period wherein the remaining Contracting Parties shall test and implement the new ERS data exchange system based on the UN/FLUX standard. The Delegations further noted that the transition period has been extended to 31 December 2026. 

11.2 The Delegations noted that the bilateral agreements on the exchange of electronic vessel positions data between the Faroese and the UK have not yet been completed to facilitate the exchange of data based on UN/FLUX Standard.  

11.3 The Delegations noted that Vessel Position data is exchanged between Faroese and UK Fisheries Monitoring Centres and that work will continue in 2026 to progress exchanging this via UN/FLUX Standard. 

11.4 The Delegations agreed to commit to exploring the options available to them to exchange Fishing Activity data electronically via UN/FLUX Standard, ensuring this occurs as soon as is practicably possible. 

11.5 Taking into account domestic challenges related to the UN/FLUX Standard, the Delegations agreed to meet well in advance of the annual consultations for 2027 to discuss a bilateral Electronic Reporting System agreement.