17. The Consultation recognized that, while the key data generated and transmitted by the VMS is with respect to the position of the vessel, the VMS is a communications tool and it is increasingly used for reporting of vessel catches and activities. The Consultation noted an evolving and rapidly expanding spectrum of electronic reporting by vessels, ranging from the basic position reports to catch and activity reports to electronic logbooks.
18. The Consultation noted that the NAF made provisions for the formats required for catch and activity reporting, including catch on entry to an EEZ (or management area), transshipment, and for notifications from the authorities to the fishing vessels.
19. The Consultation agreed that States should ensure that vessels communicating information that is not generated automatically, such as "catch on board on entry to an EEZ" reports (also known as "hail" reports) be provided with a verification message confirming to the vessel operator that the communication has been received.
