Large pelagic trawlers in English waters must carry cameras and sensors from November 2028

Large trawlers that fish for mackerel, herring and other shoaling species in English waters will have to carry remote electronic monitoring (REM) equipment, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said on Monday. The requirement is expected to become law in November 2028, subject to parliamentary timings.

It covers large pelagic trawlers of any nationality fishing in English waters, and English-registered large pelagic trawlers wherever in the world they operate.

Which boats are covered

Defra defines a large pelagic trawler as a pelagic fishing boat of 18 metres or more that has at least one of three things on board: a chilled sea water system, a refrigerated sea water system, or freezer storage. Boats that trawl mainly for small pelagic species may need the kit. Defra lists these as mackerel, herring, horse mackerel, anchovy, sardine, blue whiting, argentines, sprat, albacore, pilchards and boarfish.

What the equipment records

An REM system usually combines cameras, sensors on the fishing gear and a GPS unit. Together they log when and where a vessel is fishing and what comes up in the nets, including unwanted catches such as fish, marine mammals, seabirds and sharks. Defra will analyse the data for fisheries management, science and compliance.

The department says many boats in the fleet already have REM fitted. The policy was shaped by a sea trial on one pelagic trawler that volunteered to test it.

What owners need to do

A full technical specification, guidance and details of how systems will be approved are due to be published in 2027. Owners who want to keep fishing in English waters must have a system fitted and approved by Defra before the legislation takes effect.

Defra is running engagement events on the change, and questions can be sent to rem-policy@defra.gov.uk.