Almost every cellphone these days has GPS that allows you to locate your phone is case of theft and loss, and allows you to share your location with friends, kids, or a spouse. Vessel monitoring systems (VMS) are similar to your phones GPS, and help agencies monitor and enforce commercial fishing regulations. In the South Atlantic, VMS is not required for participation in the snapper grouper fishery, but could be an excellent use of technology to protect support sustainable fishing.

How does it work? VMS consists of a satellite transmission system and a computer tablet.  The system "pings" the location of the boat every hour and communicates that back to the VMS service provider and the federal enforcement agencies. 

In addition to "official" monitoring, the system allows our fishermen to communicate with those of us shore side by email - no matter how far off shore the fishing takes them.  It also provides us - shore side - the ability to track the boat at sea and provides useful weather and wind data - information particularly helpful on our storm prone coast.

Fishermen currently using VMS, often use it to connect with loved ones shoreside, communicate detailed emergency information, and for supporting “bait to plate” seafood where restaurants and seafood lovers and know when and where their seafood is caught.