The vessel monitoring system (VMS) is a satellite-based monitoring system which at regular intervals provides data to the fisheries authorities on the location, course and speed of vessels.
VMS is nowadays a standard tool of fisheries monitoring and control worldwide, but it was the EU which led the way, becoming the first part of the world to introduce compulsory VMS tracking for all the larger boats in its fleet. The EU legislation requires that all coastal EU countries should set up systems that are compatible with each other, so that countries can share data and the Commission can monitor that the rules are respected. EU funding is available for Member States to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and to train their people to use it.
The VMS systems may involve the processing of personal data. For more information on such processing and the rights of data subjects see the specific privacy statement enclosed at the bottom of this page.
Corrigendum to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 404/2011of 8 April 2011 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy
Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) - Data exchange - Specific privacy statement
Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS) - Data exchange - Specific privacy statement
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Electronic reporting system (ERS)
Legislation on conservation measures including control (EUR-Lex)
EUMOFA is conducting a brief online survey about its services. The survey will provide a better understanding of the users’ needs and expectations and help to improve EUMOFA services.
On 8 January 2021, the EU and Greenland concluded negotiations for a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) and a new Protocol that will strengthen their cooperation in the fisheries sector for the next four years with the possibility of a two-year extension.
The 2020 Annual Economic Report on the EU Fishing Fleet projects that in 2020, the EU fleet remained profitable overall, despite the effects of COVID-19 on the fleet and fish markets. More sustainable fishing and lower fuel costs have helped to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
