Scottish Government committed to REM roll-out despite data concerns from scallop fleet over access and rising equipment costs
Ministers Confirm Pelagic Deadline as Scallop Fleet Raises Access Issues
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will proceed with the roll-out of remote electronic monitoring, REM, across key parts of the fishing sector, despite concerns raised in Parliament about data access and rising equipment costs.
Responding to a question from Ruth Maguire MSP, SNP, Cunninghame South, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, said that from 7 March 2026 all relevant pelagic vessels fishing in Scottish waters must have an REM system on board. For Scottish-registered pelagic vessels, the requirement will apply regardless of where they operate.
She also confirmed that scallop dredge vessels operating in Scottish waters are already legally required to carry REM systems.
“As part of the development of the Scottish-led demersal fisheries management plans, we have committed to developing a road map for further roll-out of REM in priority fisheries around the United Kingdom, with clear prioritisation criteria and an implementation timetable,” Gougeon told the Scottish Parliament, noting that the plans are currently subject to public consultation.
REM Framed as Sustainability Tool
Ruth Maguire argued that REM could help address seabird bycatch, particularly in fisheries involving long-line vessels and gill netters.
“Some vessels, particularly long-line vessels and gill netters, pose a significant threat to seabirds,” she said, asking whether REM could fill data gaps and reduce bycatch of species such as fulmar, northern gannet and Manx shearwater. She added that objective, verifiable data could benefit fishermen operating in accordance with best practice.
Gougeon said she “absolutely” agreed, adding that Scotland has been leading on the technology while other nations have also been exploring its use.
“The wider use of remote electronic monitoring technologies will help us to better monitor fishing operations, effort and catch, and to deliver on our obligations to minimise and, where possible, eliminate bycatch of seabirds and other sensitive species as part of our wider efforts to ensure the sustainability of our fishing fleet,” she said.
She pointed to existing observer programmes across the United Kingdom that collect data on the incidental bycatch of protected species, including seabirds, with a focus on high-risk fisheries and regions. However, she confirmed that further REM roll-out beyond scallop and pelagic fleet segments is still being developed alongside future catching policy work.
Scallop Fleet Data Access Disputed
The debate shifted when Finlay Carson MSP, Conservative, Galloway and West Dumfries, raised concerns from the Scottish scallop fleet.
Carson told Parliament that members of the fleet report they still have no access to the REM data gathered on their own vessels, despite being told that the system would support and improve their operations. He also highlighted that the cost of maintaining REM equipment is increasing year on year.
He asked what assurances the Government could provide that REM would deliver “any practical benefit to fishers” and when the scallop fleet would be given access to its own data.
Gougeon replied that it was her understanding that members of the scallop fleet can access their data through the REM equipment on board. However, she said that if there is an issue, she would appreciate Carson following up so that she could look into it in more detail.
On the question of costs, she acknowledged the concerns but said the Scottish Government cannot influence pricing, as REM systems are provided commercially. Vessels are free to use alternative providers, she said, provided the equipment meets the required technical specifications.
