Remotely Piloted Aircrafts will be used for monitoring by the Directorate of Fisheries in December and we would like to ask fishermen to keep in mind that all recordings are carefully examined and fish that goes overboard is species analyzed.

It is important that fishermen and vessel operators are familiar with the rules and laws of fisheries management.

A few things to consider:

• It is safe to release spotted catfish if it is viable.

• It is mandatory to release bone shark, spotted catfish, dogfish and mackerel shark if it is viable.

• It is safe to release starry skate if it is viable.

• It is permitted to release viable male lumpfish.

• If halibut comes on board a fishing vessel as bycatch, viable halibut must be released immediately.

• When fishing with a line, all halibut should be released by cutting the leash of the line.

• During hand reel and sea angling fishing, halibut should be carefully unhooked or the loop of the trail should be cut before the halibut comes on board.

• Ensure that the catch is viable before releasing it.

• Record in a catch logbook or smart app the species of all catch released and the estimated weight in kilograms.

The Directorate of Fisheries encourages vessel operators to educate crews on the handling of catch and reiterates that handling of catch must promote its viability if the intention is to utilize the above-mentioned exemptions.