Example of how a vessel monitoring system works
Media release
Commonwealth fishers achieved almost 100 per cent compliance with their vessel monitoring system requirements in June following a targeted operation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
VMS uses satellite based Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to track the location of the entire fleet of more than 300 Commonwealth fishing boats in real time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Compliance rates hit a whopping 100 per cent for 6 days during June! On average compliance rates for vessel monitoring systems were also up by 2.7 per cent from the previous month to 99.6 per cent.
No vessels were ordered back to port and no fines were issued for breaching VMS conditions. All operators promptly addressed any issues they had by working with AFMA to get the units re-started, obtaining temporary switch off approval or denominating their boats.
AFMA General Manager of Operations, Mr Peter Venslovas said this was an impressive result and congratulated industry for their cooperation.
“Vessel monitoring systems are an essential tool AFMA use in the management of Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries,” Mr Venslovas said.
“Via VMS, we know where each and every authorised Commonwealth fishing boat is operating.
“This helps us determine if boats are fishing where they shouldn’t be, such as closed areas, and also provides essential data for fishery research.
“It is just one of the ways that AFMA is ensuring the sustainability of Commonwealth fisheries for current and future generations.
In July, AFMA will be targeting fishing and navigating in closed areas.
For more information on vessel monitoring systems visit afma.gov.au. Know where your fish comes from. If you suspect illegal fishing please contact 1800 CRIMFISH (1800 274 634).