Written question asked by Rosie Duffield (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fishing Vessels: Licensing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of forthcoming legislation relating to IVMS licensing on small-scale shellfish fisheries.

Answer: All English under 12 metre fishing vessels have been required to have a functioning iVMS system on board since 12 May 2025. iVMS provides vessel level data on position, course, and speed for under12 m English fishing vessels including those involved in small-scale shellfish fisheries. This information will be used to support decisions on fisheries management planning, conservation efforts, statistical and scientific analysis, compliance, and law enforcement.

Secondary information