§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many UK vessels are obliged under EU regulations to carry operational satellite monitoring equipment; and how many UK vessels comply; [125133]
(2) how many UK vessels have satellite monitoring equipment on board which is not operational; and in which fleet segment these vessels are concentrated. [125134]
§ Mr. MorleySome 430 UK fishing vessels over 24 metres overall length are required to carry satellite monitoring equipment. Our records, and those of the devolved administrations, show that all vessels are equipped. The vast majority of vessels are complying with the requirement to provide position reports at the required frequency. Those which are not submitting reports are mostly in the demersal segment. Some vessels have not submitted reports because they have recently been inactive due to lack of fishing opportunities and the number not complying is declining. Appropriate action is being taken against active vessels which are not yet fully compliant.