Towards a European small-scale fishing vessel tracking programme: Overview, challenges and opportunities

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) represent over three-quarters of all active vessels in the European fleet yet remain largely invisible in marine spatial planning due to the lack of spatial data. This data gap has contributed to the marginalisation of SSF in policy and governance, despite their ecological, economic, and socio-cultural significance. The recent revision of the EU Fisheries Control Regulation (CR 2023/2842), mandating vessel tracking for all fishing vessels—including those under 12 metres by 2029—offers a critical opportunity to integrate SSF into formal spatial and fisheries management processes. This paper synthesises insights from researchers across 24 institutions in Europe to assess the current state of SSF tracking, estimate existing coverage, and identify opportunities and challenges for implementing an EU-wide SSF tracking programme. We estimate that approximately 12% of the SSF fleet is currently tracked, primarily within net, trap, and dredge fisheries. While researchers broadly recognise the value of spatial data for improved spatial planning and ecosystem assessment, several challenges hinder implementation, including high implementation costs, limited institutional capacity, and fragmented or incompatible data infrastructures. We recommend: (i) the development of clear technical requirements and harmonised data protocols, (ii) leveraging tracking data to support participatory and adaptive management, and (iii) ensuring inclusive governance that reflects the socio-cultural dimensions of SSF. As EU Member States move toward full implementation of CR 2023/2842, early decisions will shape not only the technical architecture of tracking systems, but also the broader governance future of European SSF. A more equitable and integrated approach is essential—and achievable.