I-VMS grants system now open

The online system making it quick and easy to apply for a grant of up to £650 to cover the costs of an IVMS device, is now live.

Applications are now welcome from the first tranche of under-12 metre fishers installing devices on their vessels ahead of enforcement coming in.

As part of the launch full guidance on how to apply is now available for the start of the installation phase. A full programme of engagement and support is also planned throughout 2022 to help fishers to access the funding.

Michael Coyle, MMO’s acting Operations Director, said:

We recognise the concerns fishers have expressed about meeting the costs of IVMS devices. We have therefore devised a system and process that is simple and fast to use, with the clear intention of paying the >grants of up to £650 to eligible fishers within a matter of days of their application.

Full terms and conditions for the funding have been published alongside the guidance that fishers will have to meet to qualify for the funding. They will need to:

• Purchase the device of their choice. The contract for the device is a private one between the fisher and the supplier so fishers must meet the upfront cost of the unit before claiming a grant
• Ensure their chosen device is installed by a suitably qualified marine engineer and is transmitting
• Provide the MMO with proof of purchase – typically a photo or screenshot of the invoice for the product and a similar digital image of the fishers’ bank transaction to show payment has been made.

Once submitted the grant applications team will work with individual fishers to help ensure funds can be transferred into their bank accounts as quickly as possible to cover their initial device and installation costs. IVMS is being introduced in four tranches to allow time for installation by size category on the more than 2,000 vessels in the English under-12m fleet.

IVMS records the accurate location, speed and course of individual vessels via a secure, tamper-resistant device that transmits this data to a national operations centre via mobile phone signal.

Michael Coyle, MMO’s acting Operations Director, added:

Data taken from VMS will provide a more complete picture of all fishing in our seas by all fishing vessels. Combined with data on catch volumes, scientific evidence of stock levels and a range of other significant data, I-VMS will enable more efficient and informed decisions on local and national measures and policies. To sustain fishing for the future we need to modernise the industry and make best use of this technology.

For any further enquiries please contact media@marinemanagement.org.uk