24. Mr Kelleher described a range of VMS options that could be considered in the subregion. His presentation Towards a Sub-Regional VMS strategy illustrated these options as four models - namely:
a) the client-server FFA model, which has as its nucleus the Surveillance Operations Coordination Unit (also commonly known by its French acronym UCOS);
b) the peer-to peer EU/CFP model applied as a secure wide area network controlled by a common protocol agreed between the Member States;
c) a fishery specific model; an
d) a bilateral model in which two (or more) member countries cooperate.
25. A number of variations on these models were discussed. Mr Kelleher stressed that the FFA model is supported by international agreements, while the EU model is enforced by EU legislation. In response to questions, he suggested that priority concerns should be: the EU fleet, which is already equipped with VMS; the development of an agreement between the Senegalese administration and private sector vessel operators who have already installed VMS; and the fleet of over 80 reefers and bunker vessels supporting the offshore fishery economy.