Brussels: The European Commission has released updated guidance to enhance the monitoring and control of engine power on EU fishing vessels, aiming to ensure fair competition, environmental sustainability, and compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

The new guidance clarifies how Member States should verify and certify engine power, particularly in the context of EU-funded engine replacements or modernizations. It also outlines how to implement remote electronic monitoring (REM) systems to detect potential tampering or underreporting of engine capacity.

🔹 Key Elements of the Guidance:

• Standardized procedures for engine power measurement and certification across all EU countries.
• Mandatory use of REM technologies, such as sensors and GPS, to track engine performance and detect irregularities.
• Stricter oversight of vessels receiving EU subsidies for engine upgrades, ensuring that power increases do not lead to overfishing.
• Enhanced data sharing between national authorities and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) to improve transparency and enforcement.

The initiative responds to concerns that some vessels may underreport engine power to gain unfair access to fishing quotas or subsidies. By tightening controls, the Commission aims to protect marine ecosystems, uphold the integrity of the CFP, and support a level playing field for all EU fishers.

The guidance will be reviewed regularly and adjusted based on technological developments and feedback from Member States and industry stakeholders.