Ahead of the 2028 electronic monitoring requirements coming into force, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries of Madeira has launched a pilot project for the deployment of Electronic Monitoring Systems (EMS) in the regional fishing fleet.
For the implementation of this initiative, Madeira has selected technology provider Satlink, making it the first Portuguese region to anticipate the 2028 EM requirements included in the European Fisheries Regulation.
Financed under the PRR (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência), the project includes the installation of Satlink’s EMS on ten Madeiran vessels. Satlink is working in close collaboration with local partner SOMEQ and the regional authorities, while data review, analysis and reporting are carried out by Satlink subsidiary Digital Observer Services.
‘This project represents a concrete step in strengthening data collection, transparency and cooperation with the fishing sector. By anticipating the European electronic monitoring requirements, Madeira is preparing its fleet for future regulatory frameworks while supporting the sustainable management of its fisheries,’ said Sónia Pereira, regional director of fisheries at the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries of Madeira.
The EM systems deployed combine onboard cameras, sensors and positioning technologies to document fishing activity, identify species, estimate catches and georeference operations. Fishing video and operational data are securely transmitted via mobile connectivity and made available for review through Satlink’s cloud-based Horus electronic monitoring platform, supporting structured analysis, reporting and traceability.
At the same time, crew privacy is safeguarded through automatic face-blurring based on edge computing technology, performed directly on board the vessels. As a result, all video data are transmitted and stored in anonymized form while maintaining full analytical value for fisheries monitoring.
The project supports data collection for fisheries targeting small pelagics, black scabbard, tunas and swordfish, including associated by-catches. In this context, it contributes to the PNRD (Plano Nacional de Recolha de Dados) and follows scientific and management recommendations from both ICES and ICCAT.
EMS installations began on 24th November and are being rolled out well ahead of the regulatory deadlines set for 2028, underscoring Madeira’s commitment to transparency, cooperation with the fishing sector and long-term sustainability.
