Decree-Law No. 32/2012 regulating the use of Satellite Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).

This Decree-Law, consisting of 6 Chapters, regulates the use of Satellite Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). It applies to: semi-industrial and industrial, National and foreign fishing vessels; National fishing vessels performing in international waters and/or in waters under the jurisdiction of third countries; fishing vessels exclusively used for aquaculture, sport or non-commercial fishing. It aims at monitoring national and foreign fishing vessels, performing in waters under National jurisdiction; optimizing the efficiency of follow-up operations; improving the management of fishery resources and the promotion of responsible fishing; obtaining fundamental data and information on the decision-making processes and in the definition of planning policies and needed tools, environmental and socio-economic criteria.