Vessel monitoring system (VMS) data for the Northern Prawn Fishery

The data are records of the locations of individual fishing vessels of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). The data were collected by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority with a satellite that polls transponders fitted to all fishing vessels that are registered for the NPF. The main purpose of the data is to ensure that vessels comply with fishery management directives; however, the data can also be used for research as an indicator of fishing pattern. Each data record contains a vessel identification number, vessel name, time, latitude and longitude. Two sets of speed and bearing fields are also present: the first contains instantaneous velocity measured by the transponder; the second contains velocity estimated from the poll locations. Polling intervals vary from seconds to hours depending on AFMA's operational requirements. Notes on Access: The data may only be used by CMR staff with the permission of the CMR VMS data custodian.