Seòmar agus comataidhean

I will hand over to officials in a moment on the discussions that have taken place.

The cost that we have set out in the business and regulatory impact assessment, which the committee has before it, is indicative of our best estimates for the installation of that equipment. The vast majority of scallop dredge vessels already have REM in place, and that was largely funded through previous rounds of the European maritime and fisheries fund.

In relation to the consultation—

We have shared the technical specifications with the committee but, should they change in the future, I am happy to keep the committee updated.

We have set out specific cases in relation to the regulations, and we have set out the exemption provisions in the regulations. Of course, a catastrophic incident that is completely outwith the master’s control could happen, but things would have to be considered on a case-by-case basis. We have the ability to deal with such a situation should it arise.

In response to previous questions, Jane MacPherson outlined the consultation that took place and how the technical specifications developed and evolved through that process on the basis of the discussions. It is important to add that we will publish guidance, so that fishers know what is expected of them when it comes to complying with the regulations and the technical specifications. Those conversations led to the technical specifications that are in front of us.

The 72-hour timeframe relates specifically to data transmission requests. The regulations also set out when data must be uploaded and how long it should be kept for. That is set out in regulation 17. However, we may need to request that data outwith the normal time period.

I do not think that we would have to use data transmission requests all that often, but it is important that we have the ability to do that. In the pelagic sector, freezer vessels can be out at sea for long periods. Therefore, for compliance purposes, it might be necessary to request the REM data on an ad-hoc basis if it is likely that there will be a delay in our receiving the information. We do not anticipate making regular use of that provision, but there may come a time when it becomes necessary for us to issue such requests.

I think that it is because the nature of the fisheries is different, as I explained in response to the question from Rhoda Grant. I have just touched on the example of a freezer vessel that could be out at sea for quite a long period of time. The nature of the voyages that are undertaken by scallop vessels is quite different, which is why they are being handled differently.

I will start, and then I will bring in Jane MacPherson.

On the richness of the data, as you say, we have had that work under way for some time—on the scallop dredge fleet since 2017—but, in relation to the roll-out, we have set out the timescales for introducing that requirement and gradually bedding it in for the pelagic sector as well. When that is fully operational, we hope to be able to get more of the data.

I will hand over to Jane on the other elements.

No, that is not the case at all. That is a complete misinterpretation of what we have set out—

I am sorry, but I think that what was said has been completely misinterpreted. This is not about a lack of trust in our fishers. I categorically refute any assertion in that regard. Jane has outlined the rationale. It is the scientists who have asked for that data, because it gives us greater evidence and underpinning. We have set out our rationale, and I say again that this is not about a lack of trust in our fishers.