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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 13th MAY 2014
Question
Would the Minister describe whether his department monitors the night time trawling that takes place to the south and east of the Island, to ensure all relevant Laws and Regulations are being complied with and, if so, how and by what means?
Answer
By using modern technology, we monitor all trawling activity around Jersey to ensure that access arrangements are being adhered to. This is now done in more detail than ever before.
The primary form of monitoring involves officers using the European-wide Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). All trawlers over 12 metres in length are fitted with tamper proof satellite monitoring devices and officers monitor the information from this system on a daily basis.
Officers also utilise Automatic Identification System (AIS) to monitor trawler activity and have discrete access to a locally based version of the system showing all the access zones. Unlike VMS, this system is not mandatory, so is of less benefit.
Jersey Coastguard radar also gives coverage of areas to the south east of the Island and Fisheries Officers work closely with Jersey Coastguard to utilise this facility, which coupled with VMS, creates a very useful surveillance system.
Through agreements with other jurisdictions, Fisheries Officers are able to access electronic and paper logbook sheets from foreign vessels to check catch composition and gear type. Trawlers are routinely inspected at sea to ensure that fish sizes, trawl equipment etc. are compliant with local regulations.