Provincial/state/local programme

• The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. The Falkland Islands VMS programme is operated independently.

Fisheries monitored by VMS

• All Falkland Island fishing vessels
• Loligo squid fishery

Number of vessels monitored by VMS

• Total: 30

Vessel size range (GRT)

• 775 - 2 850

Purpose of VMS monitoring

• Monitor location of Falkland Island fishing vessels worldwide
• Measure compliance with:
  • Domestic restricted fishing areas
  • Conservation measures and boundaries of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations
  • Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
  • Dissostichus Catch Document Scheme and related trade measures
  • Vessel safety

Security measures

• Control centre: Physical and electronic measures

Legal framework

• Participation in the VMS programme is a condition of registration (for Falkland Islands vessels) or licensing (for foreign vessels).

Funding strategy

• Vessel owner is responsible for shipboard equipment
• Government is responsible for FMC and polling costs

Staffing level

• 1 Duty Officer

Additional integrated programmes

• The Falkland Islands are conducting research into using VMS data to supplement commercial catch and effort data in the Loligo squid fishery.

Anticipated growth

• If applied to all fisheries, the VMS programme could grow to 200 vessels (no immediate plans for expansion).

Contacts

John Barton, Director of Fisheries
Fisheries Department
PO Box 598
Stanley
FIQQ 1ZZ
Falkland Islands
Telephone: (+500) 27260
Fax: (+500) 27265

Web site: http://www.FIS.com/falklandfish