Madeira Moves Early On Electronic Monitoring Requirements
Madeira has become the first region in Portugal to move ahead of forthcoming EU electronic monitoring requirements by launching a pilot project to digitally monitor its fishing fleet.
The initiative sees the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries partner with maritime technology company Satlink to deploy Electronic Monitoring Systems across selected vessels in the regional fleet.
The project positions Madeira ahead of the 2028 electronic monitoring obligations set out under European fisheries regulation, with regional authorities arguing that early adoption will strengthen transparency, cooperation with the fishing sector and long-term sustainability.
Pilot Project Covers Ten Fishing Vessels
The pilot scheme involves the installation of Satlink’s Electronic Monitoring Systems on board ten Madeiran fishing vessels. The project is financed under Portugal’s Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência and is being implemented in collaboration with local partner SOMEQ, while data analysis and reporting are handled by Satlink subsidiary Digital Observer Services.
The monitoring systems combine onboard cameras, sensors and vessel positioning technology to document fishing activity, identify species, estimate catches and georeference operations. Video and operational data are transmitted securely via mobile connectivity and processed through Horus, Satlink’s cloud-based monitoring platform.
Crew Privacy Built Into Monitoring Design
Regional authorities and Satlink have placed emphasis on crew privacy, incorporating automated face-blurring technology carried out directly on board vessels using edge computing. As a result, video footage is anonymised before transmission and storage, while retaining analytical value for monitoring and compliance purposes.
Data Collection Across Multiple Fisheries
The monitoring systems will support data collection for fisheries targeting small pelagic species, black scabbardfish, tunas and swordfish, including associated by-catches. The project contributes to Portugal’s National Data Collection Plan and aligns with scientific and management advice from ICES and ICCAT.
Industry And Government Framing Of The Project
Sónia Pereira, Regional Director of Fisheries at the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries of Madeira, said the project marked a practical step towards improved fisheries management. She said Madeira was preparing its fleet for future regulatory frameworks while supporting sustainable management through stronger data collection and transparency.
Satlink said the project builds on its existing work with more than 40 governments and regulatory authorities worldwide, providing fisheries management and monitoring technologies to support regulatory compliance and resource management.
Rollout Underway Ahead Of 2028 Deadline
Installation of the electronic monitoring systems began on 24 November and is progressing well in advance of the EU’s 2028 deadline. Madeira’s early move is likely to be closely watched by other regions as electronic monitoring continues to generate debate within the fishing industry over cost, proportionality and the balance between oversight and operational reality.