96 Vessel Monitoring Systems to be installed in 2014

Apr 07, 2014 News

With 21 trawlers already equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), 96 such units are expected to be installed this year.
This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who, during his presentation of the sector’s 2014 Budget, said that by-catch Reduction Devices (BRDs) have been installed on most trawler vessels.

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

A by-catch reduction device is designed to minimize unintended capture of marine animals.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ramsammy urged fishermen to outfit their vessels with the VMS, before becoming licensed this year.
The Vessel Monitoring System is a satellite based positional tracking system which consists of a Global Positioning System (GPS), and a satellite data transmitter that provides information on vessel name, location and activity.
Dr. Ramsammy had recently stated that such a move will significantly aid the fishing sector in its surveillance efforts and in traceability of the catch. The VMS is expected to be implemented on all marine vessels plying their trade at sea.
The move to implement the system is a collaborative effort between the country’s Fisheries Department and the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors. The Minister has said that this is also another step towards having the industry certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
According to Dr. Ramsammy, both the full implementation of the VMS and obtaining MSC Certification, are initiatives that the Agriculture Ministry hopes to achieve before the year ends.
The MSC will monitor stock level of marine and identify the carry-capacity of the fleet so as not to overfish. Added benefits from MSC certification include improved marketability of products from the industry and increased traceability of seabob vessels.
The Minister said that the MSC certification contributes to the health of the world’s oceans by recognising and rewarding sustainable fishing practices.
Dr. Ramsammy advised that vessel operators comply with the standards of the MSC, as products using the MSC labels have a more secure advantage in the global market.
He noted too that the implementation of the VMS and the certification of the MSC will encourage a more level playing field among fishermen.
“We are therefore calling on all fishing vessels to be outfitted with VMS units before they are licensed for next year. Such a move will aid in traceability of the catch, as well as the surveillance efforts of the Fisheries Department.”
The implementation of the Vessel Monitoring Systems will also assist the Fisheries Department to monitor fishermen, so as to ensure they are in compliance with the Harvest Control Rule (HCR).
The HCR determines the number of days a vessel is permitted to fish for a year in order to ensure the resource is sustainably harvested.
“Another area for development is boundaries. At present, negotiations are being done to have fathom lines enforced. Once this is done there will be boundary levels where seabob or prawn vessels are allowed to catch,” Dr. Ramsammy said.
“This is to ensure survival of recruits in order to replenish the stocks.”