Research findings from the EFJ urge mandatory cameras on EU-owned supertrawlers similar to Scotland’s REM requirements.
New Research Examines Oversight of Industrial Pelagic Vessels
New research examining the activities of large EU-linked pelagic freezer trawlers operating across North-East Atlantic waters has raised renewed concerns about the level of monitoring applied to some of the largest fishing vessels in the region.
The study argues that while Scotland has now introduced mandatory Remote Electronic Monitoring systems for pelagic vessels fishing in its waters, equivalent rules do not yet apply across the wider European Union. As a result, campaigners say significant gaps remain in the monitoring of industrial-scale fishing operations.
The research focuses on so-called “supertrawlers”, large pelagic freezer trawlers generally exceeding 100 metres in length. These vessels are capable of catching, processing and freezing vast quantities of fish during extended fishing trips that may last several weeks.
According to the analysis, ten pelagic freezer trawlers linked to Dutch ownership spent an estimated 14,530 hours fishing in Scottish waters during the year to 1 February 2026. The same vessels were also recorded operating for a further 1,168 hours in other UK waters during the same period.
The vessels also appear to have operated widely across Irish, French and international waters, reflecting the migratory nature of pelagic species such as herring, mackerel and blue whiting.
Scotland Introduces Mandatory REM for Pelagic Fishing
The debate over monitoring intensified after Scotland introduced mandatory Remote Electronic Monitoring requirements for pelagic vessels fishing in its waters.
From 7 March 2026, pelagic trawlers operating in Scottish waters must carry REM systems, including onboard CCTV cameras. These systems are designed to record fishing operations and provide authorities with evidence to monitor compliance with fisheries rules, including the ban on discarding unwanted catch.
Discarding fish at sea to make room for more valuable species is illegal under both EU and UK fisheries legislation. However, enforcement of the discard ban has historically proven difficult because monitoring at sea has relied heavily on inspections and self-reporting.
Researchers argue that electronic monitoring systems provide regulators with a more consistent and verifiable record of fishing operations.
However, Scotland’s requirement applies only within its own jurisdiction. Vessels operating outside Scottish waters are not automatically subject to the same monitoring obligations, even when targeting the same fish stocks.
Supertrawlers Highlight Monitoring Gap
The research argues that pelagic freezer trawlers present particular monitoring challenges because of the scale and speed of their operations.
These vessels use sophisticated sonar systems to locate large schools of pelagic fish before deploying very large trawl nets. Once the catch is brought alongside the vessel, fish are pumped aboard and immediately processed and frozen.
Because the entire catch can be handled quickly and largely out of sight, campaigners say verifying exactly what is caught, retained or discarded becomes difficult without onboard monitoring equipment.
While relatively small in number, these vessels land substantial volumes of fish each year. Historical data cited in the research indicates that Dutch pelagic fleets have landed more than 200,000 tonnes of fish in a single year, while German freezer trawlers have landed more than 100,000 tonnes.
The report therefore argues that consistent monitoring standards are necessary across the region to ensure that all vessels targeting shared pelagic stocks operate under comparable rules.
Calls for EU to Introduce Camera Monitoring
The Environmental Justice Foundation says the situation highlights the need for the European Union to introduce mandatory electronic monitoring requirements similar to those now in force in Scottish waters.
According to the organisation, the EU should begin by explicitly requiring Remote Electronic Monitoring systems, including CCTV cameras, on pelagic freezer trawlers operating under EU flags. These vessels frequently fish across multiple jurisdictions, including EU and UK waters.
Campaigners argue that harmonised monitoring rules would create a level playing field between fleets and strengthen enforcement of the discard ban across shared fisheries.
They also say wider adoption of camera systems would improve transparency in industrial fishing operations and help authorities collect more reliable data on catches.
Without consistent monitoring standards across jurisdictions, the report suggests enforcement risks remaining uneven, particularly where vessels move regularly between national zones while targeting the same pelagic stocks.
