Low-cost tracking system to infer fishing activity from small scale fisheries in Scotland

Large Scale Fisheries (LSF), with Length Over All (LOA) larger than 12 to 15 m are generally subject to national and international regulations that require they carry some form of tracking system that is capable of reporting their position with a prescribed frequency and accuracy. However, Small Scale Fisheries (i.e. LOA < 15 m) although representing ~90% of the world’s fishers they are generally not subject to such regulation and thus important data related to the location, intensity and type of fishing activity for the majority of SSF is unknown. LSF are tracked using an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and/or Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). The need to develop tracking systems suitable for use in SSF is increasing as regulators and many of those involved in this fishing sector recognize the potential advantages of collecting this data. Funded by Scottish Government, this research represents a structured analysis of track data from a trial of a low cost tracking system being conducted in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Approximately ~40 creel fishing vessels (LOA < 12 m) have been fitted with the tracking system since November 2020.