Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) requirements are coming into force for pelagic fishing vessels.

From 7 March 2026 the Sea Fisheries (Remote Electronic Monitoring and Regulation of Scallop Fishing) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 will require all pelagic vessels fishing in Scottish waters to have a fully operational REM system onboard. Scottish pelagic vessels will also be required to use REM wherever they are operating.

To comply with the REM legislation a pelagic vessel’s REM system must meet the requirements set out in the technical specifications and be validated by the Scottish Government’s Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) Unit. 

You must now complete the following steps:

• Install your REM system.
• Complete and return the REM validation form along with the additional documentation specified in the validation form (contact FDF Unit to request a form (FDF@gov.scot))
• Contact the FDF Unit to arrange your REM system test trip

You must contact the FDF Unit as soon as possible to begin your REM validation and to arrange a mandatory REM system test trip.

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