Scottish fishermen are being compelled to install costly CCTV surveillance systems on their vessels, a move the government says is for science but the industry condemns as an act of distrust. New regulations coming into force in March will mandate the use of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) on boats fishing for mackerel and herring.
The 'Big Brother' Rules Sparking Outrage
From March 7, 2024, all Scottish pelagic trawlers over 39 feet in length must be fitted with REM technology. The system uses cameras that cover every area where fish are caught, handled, or processed. These cameras automatically begin recording the moment fishing nets are cast into the water.
While Scottish ministers argue the scheme is vital for collecting scientific data to protect fish stocks, those working on the water see it differently. Ian Gatt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, stated the policy reveals "a complete lack of trust in the country’s fishermen." He believes it is fundamentally about control and enforcement, not conservation science.
A Heavy Financial and Operational Burden
The financial impact on vessel owners is severe. Skippers must cover the installation costs themselves, which can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Veteran skipper George Anderson from Whalsay, Shetland, has spent a staggering £60,000 to fit nine cameras aboard his 230-foot vessel, the Adenia.
Beyond the upfront cost, the rules introduce significant operational risks. The regulations are backed by substantial penalties, ranging from a £500 fixed penalty notice to unlimited fines and confiscation orders. Furthermore, if the monitoring equipment fails while at sea, crews are legally required to cease fishing immediately. This could force them to abandon lucrative trips at a huge financial loss until repairs are made.
Fishermen also highlight the potential for unfair targeting. While the rules apply to all pelagic trawlers—including around 70 Norwegian, 50 EU, and 20 Faroese boats operating in Scottish waters—there is a fear that enforcement will focus disproportionately on the domestic fleet. "Our concern is that whoever is doing the monitoring will concentrate on Scottish boats, because they’re the easiest target," Mr Gatt explained.
Government Defence and Industry Demands
A Scottish Government spokesman defended the policy, stating: ‘Remote Electronic Monitoring protects the Scottish fleet by requiring non-Scottish vessels to follow the same rules and regulations, ensuring we can better protect our fish stocks from illegal fishing.’ The government has plans to review the policy at various points after its introduction.
However, the fishing industry remains strongly opposed. The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, representing the nation's fleet of 21 pelagic boats, is demanding a formal review of the scheme after six months to guarantee Scottish vessels are not being unfairly singled out. Scotland is currently the only UK nation to introduce mandatory REM, with England only trialling voluntary schemes.
The controversy recalls a 2011 case where a group of Shetland fishermen were convicted for a 'black market' scam involving millions of pounds of undeclared fish. For skippers like George Anderson, the new surveillance feels punitive. "Big Brother has taken over," he said. "We’re being presumed guilty and now we have to install cameras that spy on us constantly to prove we’re innocent."
