This Regulation has been adopted on the basis of articles 22 (1) (c) and 23 (3) of Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002. Those provisions establish that Member States, in order to assess the technology to be used as regards the transmission of information on fishing activities and remote sensing, shall carry out pilot projects before 1 June 2004. Chapter II of the Regulation is devoted to electronic transmission of information on fishing activities. Member States carrying out the pilot projects above-mentioned shall select an appropriate number of vessels, preferably of different lenghts. Chapter III regards remote sensing. Member States establishing and testing vessel detection systems based upon remote sensing technology (VDS) shall use remotely sensed images to detect fishing vessels at sea in the waters under their sovereignty or jurisdiction, as well as in other areas in which fishing vessels flying their flag may operate. Pilot projects may also be operated jointly by Member States (Chapter IV).
2003-08-18