Report of the Expert Consultation on the Use of Vessel Monitoring Systems and Satellites for Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance: Rome, 24-26 October 2006

The Expert Consultation was convened by the Director-General of FAO to review and assess technical, legal and institutional aspects concerning the use of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and satellites in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) with the goal of facilitating the wider use of this type of technology and promoting and strengthening international cooperation among States for its use. The Expert Consultation furthered collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as called for in paragraph 90 of the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated [IUU] Fishing. The Experts undertook an inventory and assessment of the status of VMS and satellites in terms of the technology and equipment employed and legal and institutional considerations.