Study areas

After negotiations with DEFRA and the Scottish Executive, we have obtained VMS data for Rockall and the Darwin Mounds areas for 2000-2003. The data encompass deep-water fishing vessels from all EU countries, plus the Faeroe Islands and Norway. We have chosen these two areas because of our experience with working on French and Scottish boats fishing around coral-rich banks off Rockall, and because the Darwin Mounds are the EU’s first offshore Marine Protected Area. This work package will analyse VMS data from these two areas in close consultation with the UK regulatory authorities.

Study areas showing Exclusive Economic Zones of the UK and Ireland. Place your mouse over the study areas for more information. © S. Duckworth 2005 (Source: GEBCO).